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

Honestly I don't remember exactly but I believe they were Ayre MXR Twenty monos.

John could tell you.

He was also using another jawdropping piece of equipment the Ayre pre KRX Twenty. Which is what he was demonstrating for me even though he knew I couldn't afford it. It was just some time spent listening to music and demonstrating the quality of Ayre products. I remember that because of its astonishing sound and the, ahem, interesting price.

gottcha.  That is the best preamp I've ever heard.  I've heard it in so many different systems at houses as well as stores.  I'd start a full system with that pre if I had to. I'd use a lesser amp like a 5 series if needed as to me, it's that much of a difference in sound quality.

Yes, it probably was the MXR that he had on for you.  I can't wait to hear the 9 series.  If set up properly, those extra bass units will really smooth out any room.
In my system, the Monitor Audio Silver 8. They're not perfect by any means, but the best out of anything under $4k that I've auditioned. They do require breathing room and quality power and don't like to be paired with bright/forward sounding amps. The midrange is excellent for the $$$. Easily better than the $5K Golden Ear Triton One in a moderate sized room.