The best "imaging" speakers?

Yes,
Shadorne, you're exactly right, the dynamic compression is the most notable difference. Of course that Harry James disc is strange, perhaps cut this way on purpose, it's so low in terms of volume overall, that it seems to have greater dynamics...you really nailed that one.
Plus, and this is just me, there was something about Harry's playing, that exaggerated vibratto, I really loved it. Traces, GOD what a song, and what a great job he did on it.

that exaggerated vibratto, I really loved it

A trumpet player calls this "sizzle" - it is a complex form of non-harmonically related overtones that metal horned instruments can generate...and I agree with you Harry James has awesome "sizzle".

The drumming is also very enjoyable on this disc...lots of transients/dynamics allow you to hear detail but with everything still sounding "light" even at high SPL's

LRSKY, Your comments are so "right on".
I too have come home from many a performance, usually jazz, thrown a CD in my system(much less an album)and said 'wow' this is better sound than at the event.
I find the systems used in most public venues "harsh" and sloppy to my ears-to say the least. Dynamics were the main thing I found good about live but with the improvements in my Spectral based system over the years I find it's no longer dynamics - it's just loudness. And with my 89db efficient speakers and the 200 watt Spectral I've got all the loudness I need.
I think we are a very lucky group with quality systems.

Ggavetti, the first "store bought" speakers I had were the venerable Quads, with the old 33/303 setup(a favorite of orchestra members of Symphony players in Montreal back in the 70's-which is why I bought them).
I understand your comments on the Quads dynamics and agree to a point regarding their 'micro' dynamics. Within their operating capabilities they were very good; however their overall dynamics were very limited imho and ultimately the reason I moved to JBL 250Ti's and the Krell KSA 100 amp driven by conrad johnson pre amp. The combo literally smoked my Quad system overall.

I find the systems used in most public venues "harsh" and sloppy to my ears-to say the least.

True i many cases - although not so at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club. They have an excellent sound system.