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...
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...