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
aware seems silly to repeat asking:

BUT

qte
why are Vandersteen so seldom mentioned???

Aren't their 5A the best at any price point???
unqte

anyone .....
Banner wrote "I doubt that most people could really hear the difference between a $2,000 cd player and one for $200."

I used to believe that until I purchased a used Cary 306/200. I had a Sony $300.00 cd player and the difference were huge. I didn't have to look hard for the difference they were obvious and not subtle.

Even my son who is not an audiophile said that the cd player made the biggest improvement in sound that he has heard in my system.

I totally disagree with your comment.
I have heard several brands high end speakers, but not all. I am not an expert on loudspeakers, but since the question is what are the best speakers I have heard, I have to say they are: McIntosh XR290. They have been in my system for 14 years now and I have never lost the love. Why fix what's not broken?