We had a pair of the Gale's with the chrome ends (I used to call them the big cigarette lighters - they were wonderful - took a lot of power if I remember corectly and VERY transparent - probably need a great subwoofer as they weren't large. Currently have Snell type A's (needing new surrounds at the moment (or woofers - any suggestions). We used to sell the Snell's when Peter was making them - we also sold Acoustats - we have a pair of Spectra 11's which I like but wouldn't offer up as one of the 10 best - really a wonderful speaker with enough power driving them. The IRS's were quite something.