Best Electrostatic loudspeaker?

Could not agree more. Roger Sanders knows how to do ESLs the best, Yes, Soundlab is great, but bass is lacking in depth and tightness. ML has some nice sounding speakers now too, but the Sanders 10C is amazing with superior transient response and bass, and nobody can match his 30 day MB trial and lifetime warranty that includes shipping both ways!!! I'm also using the Sanders ESL MKII amplifier, and I've never heard better on any speaker that I've owned. Of course the Magtech has more power and a patent-pneding voltage regulator, but most people wouldn't tell the difference between the Magtech and ESL amp. I have a used pair of Kaya Reference that sounds nearly identical to the 10C, especially since I'm using the same digital crossover. But the 10C has better quality of workmanship, goes 2 hz lower and plays 3db louder in the bass. An important note is that Roger's coaxial ESL speaker cables are a must. They replaced some super expensive solid core silver speaker cable, and the sound became balanced properly (instead of exaggerated highs), with far more inner detail and enjoyment. Roger Sanders is the MAN. You will be lucky to get his equipment.

Boy, the bass is pretty nice on the Sound Labs. Of course it takes the right amp to do it, one that can make power into a higher impedance (hint: don't use transistors), but the bass on the Sound Lab is top shelf.

The Soundlabs are very good and hard to beat.

I heard a new ML driven by Anthem digital mono amps with da Vinci DAC a week or 2 ago. The ML looked like a summit but I don't think it was one. It was extremely good. It was Dynamic with headroom and the bass seemed to keep up with the panel and was tuneful. It was playing pretty loud too.

That was the first time I have ever heard an ML hybrid ESL sound complete. As far as quad goes, if you can strap them to your head as headphones you may get somewhere.

My cap is off to Quad as grandparents, but with modern speakers being so good, they cannot compete. People expect higher SPLs without the compression, flimsy dynamics and the inevitable shut down. A speaker should not dictate which music you can play.

Oh I meant to say the new Magnepans sounded fabulous. Shame they killed off Apogee...

If price comes into it you would find it hard to beat a magnepan IMHO

Soundlabs get a lot of positive buzz worth noting.