The best speaker you ever heard?

The room is an extension of your speaker, and many seasoned and wise philes have told me its 70% or more of the equation. Most of the speakers referenced are competent, but without proper setup and room engineering, they will suck. I have heard many a megabuck speaker held hostage by the room. The real problem is an industry one. It is easier to sell equipment than rooms. The longest threads on this forum are typically revolve around arguments about equipment. Sad and short sighted.

Without question the best speaker I ever heard was a beat up Altec coaxial. It was driven by a Western Electronic two 205 tube mono amp. If there had been two such amps, I would still have them today, I think.

"many a megabuck speaker held hostage by the room."
Totally agree with statement by Agear on MEGABUCK speaker.

09-16-15: Tbg
Melbguy1, now with expensive cables and power cords, I think the notion of a balanced approach is nonsense. I have found that $20k worth of HFCables on an $1800 dac makes it sound like a $35,000 dac. Also isolation and better racks cannot be ignored.

Yes GiGo, but everything is critical for there to be the magic that we can now get.

Tbg, I can't speak for HFC cables as I own Jorma Prime and Statement cables. I certainly agree top flight cables and isolation matter and have heard the benefits with my own ears. In fact, the first thing I invested in when I started to build my high end system was cables, so I don't disagree with your view. Though cables and isolation can only take you so far. Then you need to invest in a better amp and front end. I feel i've found the right balance in my system & am very happy with the results.

Intuitive Design Gamma Summits and their Mosaic's are the best speakers for me. not bright nor grainy and are so seamless. and with these speakers I have found every seat is a sweet spot.