Speakers that excel at depth/layering/space

I don't think it's JUST speakers that determine this. It is the interface between all of the components that will ultimately determine how well the system images. IOW changes in the front end could potentially have an effect. The interface between speakers and amp could have an effect. Etc.

That said, I've found simpler designs with minimal or no crossover...single driver, and monitors, for instance, both excel at soundstaging depth. SET amps paired up with the right speakers are world-class at creating a holographic stage, but they don't serve as wide a variety of program material as well. OTL also do quite good paired up with the right speakers and are more versatile than SET. But it's not just the speakers.

I have heard many systems with great depth and imaging; Avalon, Kharma, Wilson, Apogees, Magnepan, Genesis, Thiel, Conicident and Aerial serving as transducer....but a recent demonstration of the Vandersteen 7 entertained a whole new realness to depth and layering. I am unable to put into words. I just have not experienced this quality in reproduced audio. Please, keep in mind this was a system in a well designed listening space.

As an addendum to my post above, probably one of the best imaging systems I've ever heard contradicts pretty much everything I said there, so go figure. I'd still stand by those observations. The best I've heard was an all MBL system set up in a very large space at one of the shows (RMAF or CES, can't recall which). I'd heard it since not sounding this good so they must've just hit it right with the room and the synergy, but it left me speechless. It had the holography and natural presence of a SET system with the drive, dynamics and energy of the very best SS (it was entirely SS). Not sure which models, but it was basically their all-out-assault system at the time. It was the same system, or very close to it, that didn't move me nearly as much in a different room at a different show, going to show you that it's not just one aspect of any system (in this case I think it was the room that really was the make or break factor, but who knows).

I am a Vandersteen guy as well, however, I must add that your room has to support all the good stuff. I dare say that the room can easily destroy a large percentage of the goodness that the best speaker can deliver...even Vandersteens

MBL and Sound Labs are two that, for my taste are undeniably layered, and textured.
One person's layers and textures SHOULD BE everyones, but it's amazing to me how many times have I toured CES with someone else listening to loudspeakers only to shake my head, wondering why we hear differently.
Kevin Hayes, Jim Thiel, are two people I've been in Vegas with, who I find myself agreening with--and not so strangly, whose gear I respect, admire and enjoy.
A pair of USED CS5's would/could be a terrific bargain--THIEL'S best ever, for my taste, loudspeaker.
AND speaking of Kevin--his electronics personify textures and layers, much more so, IMHO than Mac--and I am a McMasters attendee, have enormous respect for it--but can't for the most part place it in the same league as VAC, for example. AGAIN, IMHO.

Good luck in your search.
Larry

Larry