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
I have to break this down into three catagories; dynamic bookshelf, dynamic floor standing and electrostatic. Of the latter, I've only owned one, The Martin-Logan Aeriusi. While it was surely different, I cant say it was the best loudspeaker I've ever heard. As for bookshelf dynamic, I'd have to say the Paradigm Reference Studio 20. I wish I could afford them now. Paradigm also rules in the floor standing dynamic category. There, it's a toss up between the Paradigm Reference Studio 60 and Esprit bipolar. I really miss the Esprit's. Presently, I am listening to Mirage M-290's which I purchased for a ridiculously low price on ebay. They are very good indeed. Any comments?
I still think my B&W Matrix802s3 sound great but the last 2 speakers I heard were new 802 Diamonds with Mark Levinson gear, at Audioden in LakeGrove Long Island. And Wilson Sophias, with I think Linn Equipment. Talk about a disapearing act and sound stage
Apogee Duetta signature and Thiel CS5
were the most memorable listening experiences I've had.
For best full scale real world speaker I give the nod to Dyanaudio for their C4's. Music is performed through these speakers in full measure and in a disarmingly natural way..no artiface, just pure unadulterated sound. I don't miss my Wilson's, B&W's, Dunlavy's or Magnapans.