Best Electrostatic loudspeaker?

Chadeffect, please note I said sans heavy metal grills and plastic dust
covers which restrict dynamics and bass performance considerably.

Geoff,

I understand and agree the quads dynamics are better with all that removed, but could hardly be called great by today's standards. Much as I respect it for its time.

Former magnepan owner here. 3.3. Powered by Spectral DMA 180. Quite clear,but could never get the imaging right,and the bass response was inadequate. Subwoofers at the time were not up to the task. Went to dynamic speakers for last 14 years, Audio Physic. and was completely satified until an unplanned audition of Martin Logan Montis. Wife was checking out Martin Logan Clx for a client, so I was in the other room passing time. Hadn't heard ML in 15 years, and was thrilled. All the Bass needed, dead center imaging. Bought them that day,and retail was less than my 15 y/o Audio Physics.

Best Electrostatic ?!?!

Yes. The very best. Made by Sound Lab. Why is it the best? Its the one that plays the deepest bass and has the greatest dynamic range. That is why- otherwise, Quads, ML, etc. are all quite convincing (and excellent IMO) due to the speed of the diaphragm and their cohesive nature endemic to ESLs. But only one was conceived to be a full-scale loudspeaker, one that is ESL from top to bottom, one that you don't have to worry about putting more than 35 watts into it, etc- and you all know what I am talking about.

So Sound Lab is the best ESL made by nearly all standards. Not saying that that is the way it will always be, but so far I've not seen anyone else really take up the gauntlet like Sound Lab has.

How much are Sound Labs these days? Just curious.