The best speaker you ever heard?

gottcha.  That is the best preamp I've ever heard.  I've heard it in so many different systems at houses as well as stores.  I'd start a full system with that pre if I had to. I'd use a lesser amp like a 5 series if needed as to me, it's that much of a difference in sound quality.

Yes, it probably was the MXR that he had on for you.  I can't wait to hear the 9 series.  If set up properly, those extra bass units will really smooth out any room.

In my system, the Monitor Audio Silver 8. They're not perfect by any means, but the best out of anything under $4k that I've auditioned. They do require breathing room and quality power and don't like to be paired with bright/forward sounding amps. The midrange is excellent for the $$$. Easily better than the $5K Golden Ear Triton One in a moderate sized room.

Various Kharma models .

4 Bose 901's hanging from ceiling on chains! One in each corner of room! Incredible!

Just curious, has anyone ever tried stacking Bose 901s?