The best speaker you ever heard?

Funny as that's what drew me into the Vandersteen line of speakers. They were the first multi driver dynamic speakers that sound nearly point source.  That's also a reason I have never heard a subwoofer based system that is coherent to me.  Double subs, set up the way they are supposed to be etc....  I've just never heard them integrated perfectly.  I don't know if you can regardless of how it's set up with meters etc...  JMHO.  I've heard so much about Lowther, but never heard them.  I have never been in love with the AN speakers or others that are similar as they do midrange extremely well, but the highs and lows just aren't there for me as you can't ask a driver to handle that type of range.  How are the Lowther based systems on the frequency extremes?  Can they really give you sub 30hz bass that is tight and doesn't bleed into the mid bass or even mid range? I do want to hear a pair as it's so hard to believe that you get a true full range sound.  I have a friend who's system I haven't been able to hear (he's on the other coast for me) and he said he loves the Lowther driver.  He designed and made his own cabinets and crossovers.  His main system is Vandersteen though.  Very interesting designs and manufactures in this thread.  I've personally gone out can listened to many of the posters speakers that I've never heard before.  Thanks to all for sharing.  Appreciated.

Charney Audio companions with Lowther Dx-65 driver.  Folded, curved, back loaded horn with incredible dynamics, linearity, coherency, immediacy. After 45 years in this hobby I realize single-driver speaker systems sound so more lifelike than anything else. If your in the nyc area you must go audition these.

I used to love the Quad ESL's with warm tube amps.  My tastes have changed greatly over the years, but I do have great memories of that speaker.  

Wayne Picquet refurbed original Quad ESL's.  I've had a pair about four years now. 

Either every other speaker is right and the original Quad is wrong or...... 

One of the most impressive systems I ever heard was a pair of huge Soundlabs, can't remember the model as it was 20 years ago, but the amps were Classe 400W monoblocks, pre was audible illusions modulus 3a, and don't recall the front end.  The speed, detail and transparency were sublime.  I was a Maggie owner at the time so I found it easy to fall in love with those Soundlabs.

Got my hands on a vintage pair of Krell Resolution 2 speakers and they have turned my idea of what a home system can deliver upside down...or is it downside up?  Spooky staging, unrestrained dynamics and tonal perfection with uber-palpability!  They blow away the Wilson WP 6's, B&W802D2's and Dynaudio C4's I've owned...among many others.  As clear as Maggie's without dynamic limitations.  For $3300 I hit the lottery!!

803D3, but I'm really to all this = ]

Infinity IRS V

I'm not a Thiel guy at all.  New or old, so I'm probably not the best one to say.  

Ctsooner, 

How does new Thiel sound different than old and what specific newer models are we talking About?

Thanks.

Original Thiel or the new stuff.  To me the sound is so different that the original Thiel users probably won't love the new stuff and visa versa.  Even the Thiel dealers I know are highly disappointed by the new gear and are getting rid of the line.  One I know has had top of the line Thiel's in his personal system since the 80's and now he's getting rid of them in favor of something else. 

WEGG 3- a special series by William Eggleston.
My reference is Thiel.

I love the McIntosh XR16 speakers a monster of a speaker but you hear every instrument players on either vinyl or disc

Mine.

The first time I heard Avant Garde Duos they bested anything I'd heard until that point.  That's when I knew that high efficiency speakers were the answer.

Now I have eXemplar Horns with Karlson subs.

I have yet to hear anything better, anywhere.

Why limit it to speakers you've only owned.  It's ever heard.  Many of us get out a lot to stores and audition many speakers. In the last couple of weeks I've heard speakers ranging in price from 250k to 200.  I've not liked most of what I've heard.   Most of the ones I've listened to for a few hours have given me enough to know that I couldn't never enjoy them.  Too often I heard that upper midrange ringing that so many folks mistake for extension of treble or openess of a speaker.  Many of these high end speakers do one or two things really well, but let me down in some areas that I personally can't live with.  Others seem to like the 'hifi' sound and that's why we have so many choices.  The Vandersteen 7's  are still in the top spot for me.  There are many top speakers I've been unable to hear as they aren't in my area, or I don't know WHO is showing them out of their basement. I'm still learning that this industry has changed so much, lol.  I just hope a thread like this helps many who are following to go out and go audition.  There are still plenty of great audio stores and now home based stores where you can audition.  That's the only way you will know what you like or dislike.  That's the only way we can keep this industry going forward.  You don't have to buy those expensive models, but I bet many will rethink what they have and will want to change out or it will just confirm that you have what you should have. JMHO

Sonus Faber Cremonas over every other speaker that I have heard, including some in the $20,000 + range. Great midrange and excellent, you- are- there-live soundstaging!

Sorry for the delayed response to Roxy 1927 above but I get busy with work this time of year. My price range has topped out at around $4,000 for loudspeakers, marginally higher with amplifiers and preamplifiers. I have purchased most of my loudspeakers used as well. I just picked up a pair of Thiel CS 3.5's from a fellow member for $350, which are in outstanding shape. The EQ had even been tweaked by Jim Thiel due to a loose solder connection. These are amazing speakers, at any price range IMHO. I won't be giving these up again.

i am assuming that this thread pertains to those speakers we've OWNED, not simply auditioned so...within my budget I'd have to say that my Thiel CS 3.5's have been my reference pair when comparing.  I'm also a big fan of Von Schweikert, currently enjoying the VR2's mated to an MC275 amplifier.  I consider Thiels to be Maggies with bass; the mids and the highs are etched beautifully always making me listen to just one more recording.  Bang for the buck?  If you can find a decent pair of Meadowlark Kestrel or Nighthawks you'll be fortunate.  Fun thread!

From what I heard at Axpona this year, the Muraudio speakers would be on my very short list if I had the funds and a room of the proper size for them. They were outstanding and a must hear if you are shopping in that kind of price range.

The Muraudio electrostatic array speakers are a current product which I believe were developed within the last couple of years. They're made in Canada and sold in the US, and have been on display at recent audio shows including AXPONA 2015. Their sound quality is very unique and I found them to be quite impressive and captivating. Unfortunately for most of us they sell for $63,000 (passive version) and are reviewed in The Absolute Sound issue 258, December 2015. The reviewer concluded that he would buy them if he could afford them. http://www.muraudio.com

Never heard the Muraudio's. How old are they? Were they sold in the US?

I have heard many of the greatest speakers from the early 50's to the present. Different people have different sonic priorities. Without going into specific attributes (which I could easily do) my bottom line is measured by the degree of emotional connectedness I feel with the true beauty the composer intends (e.g. Vivaldi's Gloria, Mozart's Regina Coeli, Beethoven's 9th Symphony, Amanda McBroom's version of The Rose, Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah, etc.). The Muraudio speakers out of Canada convince my brain that it is hearing reality like no other speaker I have ever listened to and commands my brain to pay close attention. These speakers also command my brain to forget analyzing and to just experience the thrill of great music. I'd be curious to hear the reaction of others on this forum after experiencing this game-changing product.

Cts, i've heard the older model JRDG & Boulder amps (not Ayre), and previously owned a Boulder 1060. All these companies have an essential house sound, and their latest products build on that and are more refined. Boulder is very quiet, smooth, neutral & has a lot of power/control. I enjoyed my time with Boulder. Paired with an modded Ayon tube preamp ,the 1060 was a perfect match with my old Marten Coltrane Alto's.
I've heard various Rowland products before, including the 625 stereo amp & Corus pre, and they sound very resoloving, quiet, liquid & airy. But they always sound a bit forward and mechanical to my ears compared to Vitus or Soulution. Rowland is a big fan of SMPS psu's which i've never been a fan of. Granted they are military grade & he has been developing them for some time, but i'll pass. Also the Corus preamp is chock full of op amps.

Calvin, yes having heard the Soulution 501 mono's & 520 pre, I would rate the Vitus SS-025, SS-102,SM-102 monos & SL-102 higher. The Vitus Sig series gear has more control & sounds more organic to my ear. Soulution also don't have any comparable product to the SIA-025 integrated. The Soulution 530 integrated is huge! Though the Soulution 541 sacd player's msrp suggests it should have the wood on the Vitus SCD-025mk2 (atleast on SACD). Better? Probably, but $20k+ better?

I liked their signature high-end but I didn't love it. When I heard the price I was in shock.

I've heard Boulder I don't know if it was the signature high end. I thought it was ok. I haven't heard vitus or Ayre.

Have you guys heard the Rowland, Boulder and Ayre reference amps (the newest versions?).

If vitus signature is that good then I want to hear it because the soulutions is the most natural non fatiguing sound I have heard in my like. I also want to here the Kronzilla integrated from KR audio. It's supposed to be very good.

The latest Soulution 5 series & 7 series gear is very good indeed, though I feel as though the Vitus Signature series is better overall compared to the Soulution 5 series.

I've heard a lot of folks talking about the Solution amps. I really need to get to hear a new set of those.

@melbguy1. Yup put that soulutions 540 in a really good setup and its mind blowing. It might be the only thing that I would chase right now. I love my resonessence dac but the solutions 540 is my perfect source. It might be why I loved those raidho d5 said so much. It's bathes you in a huge sound field

I've heard many of the greats... but... the best I've heard are the Linkwitz Orion's or LX521's - without question!

Certainly... the best for the money... especially if you build them from a kit from Madisound.com, or manage to buy them in the aftermarket.

They have all the best traits of the ESL-57's, the Maggies, ML's, King Sound, etc. and the best OB's with respect to the soundstage and image... while... having the detail, resolution, dynamics, tone, tenor, texture, range and balance of the best dynamic speakers available.

The man's (Seigfried Linkwitz) knowledge and experience of electronics and sound engineering is surpassed by no one's... and... he has successfully applied it in the design of his speakers.

About the only "disadvantages" I can think of are the complexity of the design, which requires active crossovers, and multi-channel amps to amplify each driver independantly... and... of course the WAF - they are not pretty.

But, the pay-off is... the best "live" sound you've ever heard at a "bargain price."

Don't even consider any of the "big brand names" - if you want the best sound available at a reasonable price.

I agree Calvin, the Soulution 540 sounds smooth and powerful. But it's the Soulution 745/746 which will ruin you! ;)

@melbguy1. My current system is one that I heard with a guy who actually has my gato fm6. He has the KR audio va 900 and he was allowed to demo a soulutions 540 CD player. It was really great. It's produced a slightly warm sound but with real big images and very non fatiguing sound.

Mel, maybe they will. Vandy's never did until their new stuff. Again, I keep an open mind. Ton's of great speakers don't do it for me. Doesn't mean I don't enjoy listening to them, but I'd never own them. I didn't like the Magico's before the new ones at all, so for me they are getting better. Maybe they never will draw me in. They'll still be popular and make money, so it's not a big deal, lol. I"ve listened to Wilson's since before he came out with his puppy's. I was amazed at the Watt when I first heard it in the studio. It was great for recording, but I never wanted to own one. I had a headache after dealing with them the first day and never used them again. Everyone who plays the XLF's for me gets so excited about them and keep telling me how great they are. I don't have the heart to tell them that I don't like them. Open, detailed, big huge bass and the list goes on, but I just don't warm up to them. Focal's the same thing and I used to LOVE a small pair of JM Lab Microns I believe they called them. Now, I don't like them. I did hear a larger Utopia that showed promise last year, but I didn't' spend much time with them as I wasn't getting them anyways. They were the first of the Focal's that weren't too bright for me. I haven't heard their whole line at all though just what the local dealer has had for years.

Maybe one day Magico will learn the secret to drawing you into the music..

Too bad Avalon is loosing most of their top dealers as they won't advertise like the dealers want them to. Great sounding speakers. I heard the Times and they were really nice. Not worth the money for me compared to similar costing gspakers, but nice. Was just told by a friend whom I trust that the NOLA's were really sweet sounding. Nice bass and they really drew him into the fabric of the music. I agree with the Wilson's having poor bass. Even the XLF's I've heard in a few different rooms and systems now, didn't impress at all. I thought the bass didn't live up to what you can get in nearly any of the 60k speakers we've talked about in this thread. bigger and louder maybe, but not as good quality wise. The rooms were fine too, so I don't think that was the problem.

@ melbguy1. I agree. I heard some vandersteen. The have a very full weighty sound from what I remember. Magico definitely is a great sound and paired with wit us should give it a slightly darker but open and transparent tonality. It should come with ample weight and texture with that combination. I use cabling to change the flavor a little from time to time. I also tube roll my E.A.R CD player to change it up.

Calvin, I also have not been able to warm to the Wilson speakers. To my ears the Alexia's have an airy top end and good sound staging, but have bloated, flabby bass which also smeared the midrange. I prefer Magico's sealed box approach which allows tighter, more accurate bass. Magico also have better build quality than both Wilson and Raidho imho.

I know what you mean about carbon drivers. Wilson Benesch, Proac & Vandersteen all use all-carbon drivers and are generally regarded as sounding natural. Speaking from my own experience, paired with Vitus or Soulution the S5's are capable of drawing me into the music. However to get the best out of them requires careful attention to detail. I've worked hard at building my system around the S5's for optimal synergy, incl: amps, front end, cables, isolation & AC power. The old adage "The whole is greater than the sum of its parts" applies.

Though as good as the S5's are, I would say there are other loudspeakers i've heard which sounded more natural and did a better job of drawing me into the music like the Avalon Transcendents & Crystal Arabesque speakers with the RAAL ribbon tweeter. That's one of the reasons I am upgrading to the new S7's. Magico's latest drivers (incl: diamond-coated beryllium tweeter, hybrid carbon Nano-Tec/Nano-graphene midrange & new 10" bass drivers) are all lighter, faster & much better than the previous generation, whilst cabinets and crossovers have also improved substantially. From what i'm hearing, the S7's approach the complete sonic freedom and 'boxless' sound of the M Pro's which is high praise & just what i'm looking for.

Richard Vandersteen and Alon Wolf are both at the top of their game and building great loudspeakers which are extremely fast, accurate and coherent. It is hard to imagine anyone not being beguiled by their latest offerings incl: the Vandy 7Mk2 & Magico S7. The technology from the S7 will inevitably filter down to other S series models, as i'm sure will occur with Vandersteen. The winner as you say is we audiophiles.

As for cables, i'm not a fan of using cables to 'tune' a system, much as in the same way i'm not a fan of using 'tuning feet' such as the Harmonix to correct deficiencies in a system. Hence I use Jorma cables which are neutral in tonal balance and sound natural. Cables matter, and indeed I have a significant investment in wire. But I don't agree with those who elevate cables to the level of components. I don't subscribe to that point of view. Imho, at that level your money would be better spent on a component or speaker upgrade.

@melbguy1 respect your opinion. Get what makes you happy. Just letting readers my know my observations. There are a 100 ways to get different sounds. We just don't all have the money to try something that doesn't work. I guess that's why people share on this forum. Either way we all figure what we like and try to get there based on what we know. Cable can make a difference they are a big part of the chain especially when you get to a certain performance level. In the high end like magico, raidho, Wilsons, etc. they are important. Feed the system the right thing and your system will be on steroids. Lol.

Mel guys is right as we all know. I just haven't been able to warm up to the Wilson's, Magico's, Raido's and many other top priced speakers. The ones using carbon seem to have a sound that I do like. The Be and Diamonds still don't do it for me. Implementation is most important of course. Magic is a great speaker for many folks as are Wilson's, but the sound to me it just a tad to bright still. The new Magicos and the new Wilson's with the cloth tweeter are better for my ear and I could own them, but they just haven't drawn me in and I've heard both lines in many stores now with many different combinations of electronics. That's just my ear.

As I've said prior,I didn't want to like the Vandersteen's either and not I own the Treo's and hope like heck to get the Quatro's soon.

Why do folks use cables to 'tune' a system or speakers specifically? Personally I just never understood that. Just get speakers you fall in love with and get electronics that work with the speakers. Cables make a bit of a difference, but once you start spending that extra money on them, you can possibly get what you want to begin with. Not saying they don't work, but even speaker designers will tell you that cables usually don't make as big a difference as to many feel they do. Just an interesting thing to debate possibly.

In the end, loudspeakers as with music preferences are completely subjective. You should definitely aspire to own whatever makes you happy regardless of opinions on forums. If you like your music on the fuller and darker side, you could get that sound from Magico by using PAD cables & something like a Vitus RI-100.

@melbguy1. I can agree on price issue. They did sound amazing though. I think the magico look like the have better build quality. I don't know if I will ever hear raidho with solutions again ever. Maybe at an audio show. I will love to hear the magico s 7. I like my music slightly to the fuller and darker side by a smigid without loss of detail. That raidho system gave me that in spades.

10-14-15: Ctsooner
Check them out when you can. They draw you in while still being so honest. Big change in the mk 2

Caxton Audio in Melbourne carry that line, so I might see if they're getting the Mk2's in so I can have a listen for fun. In any case, $62kUS is out of my price league & my Dealer does not carry that line.

Incidentally, the Magico S7's are also a big change from the S5's & have lighter, faster hybrid carbon Nano-Tec/Nano-Graphene drivers & a diamond-coated beryllium tweeter. The cabinets and crossover have also been significantly improved. I might have a bit of news on that front soon ;).

Calvin, I've only heard the small Raidho C1's with Symaudio amps. They sounded smooth and clean, though there was some stridency in the top end (most likely due to green speakers). The D5's must sound amazing. My only gripe with Raidho is they are way over-priced for what you get as demonstrated by the huge dealer margins. I saw a pair of C2.1's on static display and thought the build quality was very average compared to Magico or YG for example.

@melbguy1. Did you ever hear the raidho d5

Check them out when you can. They draw you in while still being so honest. Big change in the mk 2

Cts it sounds like you have sensitive ears and a good understanding of how real music should sound. I also gravitate towards speakers which are coherent, well balanced and sound natural (ie: like real music). Avalon certainly fit that bill, and from what I've heard Vandersteen do also.

Magico speakers are fast, very resolving and overall neutral. They are what I call 'honest' speakers which are true to source, therefore careful attention needs to be paid to your upstream gear. The Magico S line is a bit warmer than the Q series and a bit more laid back in presentation, so they appeal to a wider audience. The S5's have only drawn me into the music paired with Vitus Sig series or Soulution amps. They seem to be an excellent match. I'd love to hear the new Vandy 7Mk. My Dealer doesn't carry that line, but it would still be fun.