The best speaker you ever heard?

The Stax F-81 is the best speaker I ever heard. What did they sound like? Think about their best headphone systems, only better! They were the least-colored transducers I've ever heard. Unfortunately, they were completely unstable, and kept buzzing and crackling throughout the demonstration. At the time I was shopping for speakers (around 20 years ago), they were also incredibly expensive at $3300.

The best dynamic speakers I've ever heard? Wildly different choices: the KEF 105.2 and the Klipsch Cornwalls. The 105's threw a huge and realistic soundstage around six feet in front of the speakers, and the Cornwalls, blasted a symphony orchestra at real-life levels without a hint of strain or running out of gas--this with a 50-watt amp, as I recall it.

I haven't heard a lot of the speakers on the list, but I would like to cast my vote for my current speakers, the Audiophysic Avanti III. I have only had these speakers for two weeks and already they've bettered the best of the other speakers I've heard (including ATC100, Isobariks, ART Audio, B&W N801s, etc.).

What's more, they're a simply gorgeous speaker to look at, and far more balanced IMHO than the Virgo III. The sound I would categorise as incredibly nimble but dynamic, perfect timing, very very tight bass (though not as much as with some bigger speakers) and a very silky, extended top-end. Very much like a state-of-the-art mini-monitor but with bass to match.

I've never heard a pair of Avantgarde horns, however - my wife blackballed them out of hand on their appearance (not to mention cost) so that's one speaker that may well live up to the hype, but I am happy with my Avantis...

Jctedinburgh:

I had the Avanti 3's on my original short list but never got a chance to audition them, since there are no local dealers. Everything I've ever read about them has been glowingly positive, however. Welcome to the "Satisfied with my Loudspeakers" club, of which I am also a happy (ecstatic, actually) member. Congratulations!

Advents still rule! After digging mine out of storage after twenty years and getting them re-foamed, they play all types of music beautifully. Ineffecient but detailed and accurate,they sound better than anything I can find under $1000 to $2000. Rock On!

Best speakers I "EVER" heard...? Bose, "You are there"
(and you wished you were someplace...anyplace else!)