The best speaker you ever heard?


In my opinion, the speaker is by far the most important part of the audio system. After all, it is the only part you hear. OK, the other stuff really matters a lot, but without a great speaker... No go.

I am a bit 'speaker-obsessed' I guess, and now I am wondering: What are the best speakers you have ever heard, and what made them the best?
njonker
For me that honor goes to the Hales Trancendance 8 if i could find a pair now! Oh how I wish.
The best speaker I have heard lately is the Magico Model 6. My local dealer often has it set up with either full Spectral/MIT or top of the line Boulder equiptment and each time I heard them they were impressive. It also appears that it is equally at home with all types of music.

They are way out of my league. Just good to hear new stuff though.

I agree with Jdub39 about the Hales Transcendance 8 being an exceptional performer and providing an absolutely satisfying musical experience. I have them and haven't felt the need to upgrade from them yet. I said yet, because in this hobby everything is on the table as you know. That being said I always do keep my ear out for my next speaker. Just hard to displace the Hales.
Infinity Quantum Line Source. Martin Logan CLS.

I own one pair of each. I'm original owner of the CLS from 1988- they DO need a subwoofer, and I am shopping (wore out 2 Velodyne ULD-15 over the years). I just found the QLS in St.Louis this year and will bequeath them to my children when I die.

Heard Beveridge 2SW years ago- another of my fantasy speakers.
Soundlabs- have not heard, but would love to someday.

Rellsaesser, I bought Infinity Quantum Line Sources after I could not get Infinity ServoStatic 1As. I had the JBL Ice Cube amp (the first switching amp). I also owned Martin Logan CLSs but it was much later. I know you are happy with what you have so my advice is to never listen to Tidal speakers.
Reply- I just Googled the Tidal website. Wow. I would love to hear them sometime. But, Lord have mercy- they cost 10 times what I paid for my QLS. I still have a kid in college.