What are the best speakers you have ever owned and why?


I just recently recieved my long awaited Shahinian Diapason 2’s from Vasken And they are absolutely spectacular! This got me thinking about my long journey to get here. Bless my wife for putting up with the many many many speakers that have passed through. The lifelong saga began with Magneoan MG 1’s back in college which were replaced by Dahlquist DQ 10’s. Then we traveled down a long road of speakers and systems. Magnepan Tympanis, Misson 770, Randall Rsch DQ10’s, Quad ESL single and stacked, Acoustat II, rogers LS3/5A’s, Linn Isobarik’s (2 pairs) B&W 801 Matrix, Hales Signature, Martin Logan Monolith2, Apogee Scintilla (1 ohm) Apogee Full Range, Theil SC 5A, Egglestonworks Andra, B&W Nautilius 801,Quad 63 and some I’m sure I forgot! Each speaker had its virtues and flaws but oh what a fun and a times frustrating trek! I think I have finally found my speaker to take me to retirement they do everything that I value wonderfully . They are detailed without sounding so, very dynamic, they have great low end reach, power and detail, are open sounding like a planner, their tonality and timbre seem spot on and they sound wonderful on any kind of music. Tell me about your journey!
hamr

For me, older used Raidho D2 small floorstanders, sealed ribbon tweeter and two tiny 4.5" mid/woofers ported.  Replaced large Dynaudio Sapphires (3way).

D2s did everything better than any speaker I'd owned except play loud enough to make you go deaf.  Probably my end-game speaker at my age. Fine by me.

My best ever owned, and current? Dynaudio Contour S 1.4. They just do it all right. Not one negative thing to say.

I’ve not had nearly so many speakers as many here.  I’ve found a pair I was happy with and stuck with them for a long time.

Large Advents mid 70s to early 80s

Boston Acoustics A400s early/mid 80s to mid 90s

20+ years away from HiFi

Large Advents (again) Late 2010s to 2022

New KLH Model 5s 2022 to early 23 (love them)

Harbeth SHD5+ XD early 23 to possibly forever

Not a speaker there I couldn’t live with forever, but the Harbeths may well be the last speakers I ever own.  I still have all except the first pair of Advents, BTW.

Oh, and a pair of Wharfedale Dentons in the bedroom.