Best Speaker you have ever listened to

[CAB]

My boss had some Magnepan MG 20.1s bolted to four Conrad-Johnson 140 tube mono-block amps. I wish I could remember whose transport, processor and active crossovers were in use. I recall getting moist just sitting in the room before the rack was powered. He's since moved to a smaller place and had to leave the room he tuned behind. My ears are good but not trained enough to fully appreciate what I was enjoying. My mind's eye can still see the incredible imaging.

SECKSY!

[petenad]

Look at some of the ones on this list I can't even imagine the sound that comes out of these puppies.
http://www.higherfi.com/spkrlist/speakerlist.htm

[HDJK]

In the Hi-End sector the best I've heard were the Swiss 'Piega TC70 X'. I actually preferred their sound to the B&W 802D.

But I'm still a studio monitors kind of guy, so I'm dreaming of a set of ME Geithain RL 901K

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by HDJK

I'm dreaming of a set of ME Geithain RL 901K

That would be a GREAT DAY when you get to unpack those!!!

[HDJK]

Originally Posted by Beta Man

That will be a GREAT DAY when you get to unpack those!!!

I prefer my version of your sentence

[dobyblue]

The two speakers that have most impressed me to date in person have been the Martin Logan Summit ESL's and the Paradigm Signature S8.

I look forward to hearing those new Martin Logan CLX full electrostats someday though, I'm sure they are unbelievable.

[richteer]

Originally Posted by jibucha

Truly Outstanding Reference Quality

Properly set up and implemented; they are almost impossible to beat.

Quad 63s are very nice, but they're a bit bass-shy for my tastes. But what they do, they do very well!

[Woody]

Originally Posted by petenad

Look at some of the ones on this list I can't even imagine the sound that comes out of these puppies.
http://www.higherfi.com/spkrlist/speakerlist.htm

Cool site.

[prerich]

Originally Posted by Woody

Cool site.

+1 ditto

[Woody]

Originally Posted by prerich

+1 ditto

They take credit cards BTW, I just ordered 2 pair of the VS VR11s.

One set for the bedroom, ya know.

[dobyblue]

This site has sections of extremely high-end speakers, receivers, preamps, amplifiers, turntables, projectors, screens, seating, etc.

www.highendpalace.com

It's a treat to scroll through their speaker selection.

I'll bet you can't pick just one!

http://www.highendpalace.com/HEP%20Speakers.htm

I suppose if I was really forced to pick it might be the Nola Grand Reference IV.1

[Woody]

I always find it funny that so many high-end speaker manufacturers use the same drivers, but you rarely see the manufacturers of those drivers with a speaker of their own.

[prerich]

Originally Posted by Woody

I always find it funny that so many high-end speaker manufacturers use the same drivers, but you rarely see the manufacturers of those drivers with a speaker of their own.

Focal, Dynaudio, and BG are the only ones I know of.

[Woody]

Originally Posted by prerich

Focal, Dynaudio, and BG are the only ones I know of.

No, I mean the drivers used in 3 different hi-end manufacturers are made by let's say Audax. But you never see an Audax speaker.

You are right though that companies like the ones you have listed are rare that make their own drivers.

It makes sense that most "outsource" drivers, binding posts, sometimes crossovers, even cabinets. It is just one of those things that I find odd.

[RUR]

Originally Posted by richteer

Quad 63s are very nice, but they're a bit bass-shy for my tastes. But what they do, they do very well!

Over at the ML Club, there are a bunch of folks who firmly believe that the CLS+sub(s) (typically Depth i, due to its flexibility) is an ideal solution and superior to the Summit with its smaller panel. Theoretically, the Quad's could be similarly supplemented.

OT: I settled on the Modwright LS 36.5 pre. Fantastic piece of gear and, IMHO, better than the ARC LS26, which I also auditioned.

[dobyblue]

Paradigm as well make all their own drivers, electronics, moulds and enclosures.

[Woody]

Originally Posted by dobyblue

Paradigm as well make all their own drivers, electronics, moulds and enclosures.

I can't be 110% sure but I believe B&W does also.

The shame with Paradigm is that many are no longer assembled in Canada.

[dobyblue]

I didn't know that, where are they being assembled now?
Is it just certain lines assembled outside Mississauga?

[Woody]

Originally Posted by dobyblue

I didn't know that, where are they being assembled now?
Is it just certain lines assembled outside Mississauga?

I am looking for some proof, but I believe the majority of the recent monitor line has been moved to somewhere in China. I am digging for info.

[prerich]

Originally Posted by Woody

No, I mean the drivers used in 3 different hi-end manufacturers are made by let's say Audax. But you never see an Audax speaker.

You are right though that companies like the ones you have listed are rare that make their own drivers.

It makes sense that most "outsource" drivers, binding posts, sometimes crossovers, even cabinets. It is just one of those things that I find odd.

Focal did outsource their drivers to Bill Dutelson's Legacy Audio, Dynaudio outsources some of its drivers to Totem and as for BG....I've forgotten but there is another esoteric brand that carries their ribbons.