The best "imaging" speakers?

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.

Psacanli, I actually never heard the JBL 250Ti, but isn't it possible that the difference you heard is in part caused by your new sources? I am driving the ESL57 with a mix Shindo preamp and EAR amp, and they are suberb. Ah, I also have a couple of Gradient woofer, which extend them down to 30Hz or so (which is driven by a SS amplifier). The only reason I am thinking to move to something else (but I haven't had the courage yet) is that I have a small room, and I think my system is a tiny bit oversized for that.

Audio Physic Virgo II. These image like nothing I've ever heard (and I've been to a few shows). I used to own a pair and 'upgraded' to MBL 121s. Even though others have cited the MBLs as imaging masters, the Virgos were even better IMHO. I miss them in many ways, even though they are so cheap - they're a real bargain.