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
Funny as that's what drew me into the Vandersteen line of speakers. They were the first multi driver dynamic speakers that sound nearly point source.  That's also a reason I have never heard a subwoofer based system that is coherent to me.  Double subs, set up the way they are supposed to be etc....  I've just never heard them integrated perfectly.  I don't know if you can regardless of how it's set up with meters etc...  JMHO.  I've heard so much about Lowther, but never heard them.  I have never been in love with the AN speakers or others that are similar as they do midrange extremely well, but the highs and lows just aren't there for me as you can't ask a driver to handle that type of range.  How are the Lowther based systems on the frequency extremes?  Can they really give you sub 30hz bass that is tight and doesn't bleed into the mid bass or even mid range? I do want to hear a pair as it's so hard to believe that you get a true full range sound.  I have a friend who's system I haven't been able to hear (he's on the other coast for me) and he said he loves the Lowther driver.  He designed and made his own cabinets and crossovers.  His main system is Vandersteen though.  Very interesting designs and manufactures in this thread.  I've personally gone out can listened to many of the posters speakers that I've never heard before.  Thanks to all for sharing.  Appreciated.
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Vapor Audio Perfect Storm White. Full 4 Way Speaker system, 15 inch Audio Technology Driver. Accuton Midrange, Raal Tweeter. Transparency, speed, dynamics and soundstage all with ease.
Got a full day of listening to the Vandersteen 7 mkII's on Saturday.  Unreal how great this speaker is.  AMG TT with new ARC ref pre and Vandersteen's liquid cooled amps.  They come with the AQ WEL cables attached to them.  The system was just amazing and the best sound I've ever heard at any price.  Then Garth from AQ installs his new Niagara 7000 power deal with his prototype power cord that will be out pretty soon and the cost is not much for a cable. This new cable line will be one of the best buys in audio. The system with the Niagara gave us the whole hall, detail that just wasn't there without it and SPACE.  Even when he installed the 1000 for only 999 the system was about 90% of what the 7000 did. The 1000 has only 1 outlet for power and the other 5 are source with room for wall warts.  I was blown away by the Niagara.  It's a full component upgrade at least.  I wasn't the only one.  Garth is as good a presenter as you can find.  I know this is about your favorite speaker, but the Vandersteen with the Niagara plugged in went to another level entirely.  I spoke with a gentleman who owns a speaker that costs over 200k and he said that he will be selling and getting the Vandersteens.  He said he's auditioned many of the speakers over 150k and he said nothing has come close for him in this type of setting. Can't tell on anything without it being in your home and system of course.  Blown away...just amazing....  Thanks for letting me share.