I have heard the Magico, and some of the others listed; and, having also heard the Escalante Pinyons, would have to say that they are the cleanest, FASTEST, and least fatiguing speaker in their size range. They are expensive (almost $8,000 with stands), but to my ears, they are a cut above the competition.
I actually went to the RMAF and THE Show at the 2006 CES, and hung out with the Escalante group at both shows. Hearing the theories behind the design, and then hearing them implemented, was nothing short of a revelation. I visited other displays, to see what else was out there...and bought a pair of the Pinyons. I will also be purchasing a pair of their new mega-monitors (the Fremonts) as well. Not only do both possess a ribbon like quality to the sound in terms of detail and information retrieval, but they can also play at ungodly levels without any loss of poise. Although the imaging, soundstaging, etc., are incredible, the ability to reproduce lifelike SPLs with no compression at any volume is what sold me.
What impressed me most at THE Show, however, was not only the quality of the music, but the fact that other dealers and reviewers came to sit and relax after making their rounds. Having finished reviewing equipment, they wanted to listen to music!
If you have the funds (15K) and the space, get a pair of Fremonts. Otherwise, the Pinyons may be for you.
