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
I have heard both the large Nola Grand system (an earlier version than the current one) and a few of the smaller models in the line, including the Baby Grands (I own the Micro Grands). I like them all, but prefer the Baby Grands to the big system, principally because it is not easy to set up the big system optimally so that everything integrates properly. Great speakers for getting to the heart of the music.
I have heard so many of these speakers since I to am changing and updating my system and I hope you listen to the Vandy's in your price range. I literally was in shock at how good they are and what they do. Just not like the older ones that I didn't really like at all (I was/am a Proac guy). I like the new (not the older) Legacy speakers too. They will give a bunch of other speakers a run for their money. To me the lower priced Vandy Quattro's beat out the Legacy though. Any speaker that sounds great with all vocals and piano using the neutral AQ cables must be doing it right. I haven't heard the Grand References though, but have liked some of the other NOLA speakers I've heard in the past. Lot's of choices that's for sure.
Wandered in to Audio Visions in San Francisco and they had a system going (just 44.1Hz if I recall) through a pair of Epicon 6s and I was just stunned at the musicality and soundstage.I'm sure they were using high end electronics (Simaudio? Naim?) and cables (Nordost?) but I will remember those speakers forever. They are on my list for my retirement system.