The best speaker you ever heard?


In my opinion, the speaker is by far the most important part of the audio system. After all, it is the only part you hear. OK, the other stuff really matters a lot, but without a great speaker... No go.

I am a bit 'speaker-obsessed' I guess, and now I am wondering: What are the best speakers you have ever heard, and what made them the best?
njonker
Raytheprinter, the Analysis Audio model is the Omega. I have listened to it several times and agree with your opinion. I dream of having their top model (Amphitryon), bypassing its external crossover with a Holm DSPre 1 or Prism/Spatial and biamping them directly with two DAC Cherry Plus amplifiers, the ones Clement Perry really likes!
HiFisoundguy, We are all happy you love your Bose 901's. Many years ago I owned Original 901s and later some Series 3. They were hung from the ceiling, along an excellent wall, and I used many different sets of electronics available at that time, with open reel, lps and fm as sources. Admittedly, they did some things quite well. However, as I also had other loudspeakers at that time, DQ10s,Allison 1s,Gale 401s,Ar9',Cornwalls, etc., I realized that reflecting most of the sound, purposely, took away from the details. You see, room acoustics is a given, and in most rooms, the 1st reflection is off the wall that is closest to the speakers, which is the case with most of our rooms. So, I gave them up. The sound of Ohms, Mbls, and other omni speakers give some of this effect, but again, imo, loose some of the finite details. But, they also do some things very well. I am a die hard Klipsch Lascala owner, and have found that they are the speaker for me. I wish everyone could hear my system, especially those who do not have a clue as to how wonderful a musical presentation they present. Even if they liked what they heard, it might not be the sound for them. A friend of mine has B&W 800 series, and another has Martin Logans. They love coming over and listen . They ultimately go home and stay with what they have. This is the point I am trying to make. Be happy with what you have, but pushing the 901 issue on others creates feelings that will turn on you......Sorry I went on, but......
no chance i swap for my Wilson X1/Grand Slamms...too heavy to move...plus i like them enough not to care if there is something better out there...i am just enjoying my music these days and for me, that is the point. -Lloydelee21

I'm with you on this, no fun if you are not enjoying the music, many ways to good sound..

regards,
Raytheprinter, the Analysis Audio model is the Omega.,,,,Vladimir,Yes,,that is the model,,Incredible sound,filled every inch of a fairly large room!Driven by Electrocompaniet amp,,not sure of model,,and analog source,Fairly easy to drive,as I think the amps were no more than 120 watts or so.Jaw dropping sound!Not the most expensive speakers ive heard,,but the best sound I have heard!
I am still searching. I love the altec re-issue 510's but wonder if I am missing out on something much better. My brothers have the 80's version altec 511's and love them. In fact one brother had both Altec studio Model 14's and 511's. He got rid of the 14's as the 511's had a much 'fuller' sound for a wide variety of music. He liked the pop of the 14's but again just that was not enough. He also compared the 19's to the 14's back when he bought them but thought the 19's were overstated and base overpowered the mid's. He kept the 511's. I cannot find reviews on the 510's or 511's and keep searching. One audiophile and speaker manufacturer told me that if you love what you have 'you're done then'. I should be but I really would like to first find some opinions and reviews on the 510's.