best or craziest speakers' design..

Okay fine, I will give up my little secret.. I own the amps, and have spoke to people that love these. see link

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrfull&1173099020

i saw a speaker that looked like a diver's helmet and another japanese manufactured speaker that looked like part of a floor lamp. both were shown at T.H.E. SHOW in Las Vegas, this past january.

Second the Gallos for unusual. Most people find horns of all types interesting looking, and for some reason they tend to encourage cabinetmakers to strut their stuff. I think the Cain & Cains are interesting-looking (never heard them). FWIW, I think you could probably find used Avantgarde Duos in your price range as well.

Any of the Gallo Reference line. I have MKII. I heard MKIII the other day at the dealer. They sounded very similar. You can't go wrong either way. The tweeters will reveal anything bright in your system. The bass and soundstage will suprise you. boxless sound.

Rethm. Very futuristic kinda cool looking. Rethm.com