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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
tonykay
1,313 posts
 
Tbg, you're entitled to your opinion, and clearly you have one, but a properly set up pair of ML CLX speakers disappear, not physically (of course) but you get the idea. For me, newer Quads can do the same thing. Electrostats can't move the same amount of air as a dynamic pair but they CAN create a holographic image in a room. You will certainly not get consensus on this, especially from those who are used to Altecs, but the experience happens nonetheless.
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
Everything is relative. For example Quads that still have their grills on sound relatively compressed, bass shy and unresolved compared to the case when the grills have been removed. C'est la vie!
ctsooner's avatar
ctsooner
2,480 posts
 
Funny as stats and panels just have never done if for me. Way too hot when I've heard them and I've heard most of the TOL speakers. They seem to float the soundstage and almost always sound bigger than the actual performance was (yes, I've been in recording studios or recorded live on metal tape and heard the differences). Some folks love that sound, but in real life when you heard music live the panels won't usually sound 'right' for ME...That's just ME and not anyone else, so please don't take it that way. Some speakers are so detailed that they don't sound like live music either as most live music blends and that's what makes it sounds so awesome. We are also tricked by crowd noise as in audio we are the ones sitting on stage, but when you are live you usually are in the audience and hear the crowd noise differently. Just saying...
geoffkait's avatar
geoffkait
23,365 posts
 
I'm pretty sure it was just because they were probably using the wrong electronics with the panels as they should never sound hot. Now, electronics are something that can sound hot.
yashu's avatar
yashu
196 posts
 
Interesting comments regarding Quads.

I have a pair of ESL57 refurbished by Wayne Piquet, and they are truly stunning. More than enough bass to satisfy my love of Jazz, Classical, etc. Even Prince sounds majestic through these. The realism of vocals, and acoustic instruments are beyond reproach.

And yes, they do create a very realistic soundstage, disappearing on many good recordings. Also have a pair of Dynaudio C1 sig, and Proac 2.5. My Quads stand up to both quite well. More forgiving of poor recordings, and can listen for hours without fatigue.
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