What vintage speaker might you use today

None. I've owned and heard so many vintage speakers that I would not seek one to build an extreme system. 

Vintage gear is good for nostalgia trips and the audiophile on a lower budget (in fact, very good for them), but not great for building superior audio systems. 

onhwy61, I did indicate vintage gear good for those audiophiles on a lower budget. So, why do you seem to create a dichotomy with the insertion of the word "instead," as though those pursuing higher end systems are not music lovers? Perhaps I misinterpreted your post, so clarification would be good. 

However, if you are trying to suggest that there is some advantage in seeking lower cost gear as if this means a person is a "music lover," as opposed to those who seek upper end systems, here is my thought. Allow me to pose a question; If people who love the gear and build fancy systems are not music lovers, then why are not also the people who amass huge media collections and don't even play half of it not considered collectors and not music lovers? I see a definite bias and negative attitude in regard to the phrase "music lover" in this hobby which skews one way.   :( 

onhyw61, not intending to put words in your mouth; likely a misread. I posted twice because my first post was so delayed it seemed that it was not going to be posted. I'm not trying to bash lower end system users, just share my experiences. 

ct0517, I have built so many dozens of audio systems over the years I don't even remember them all. I have used the Eminent technology LFT VI magnetic planners, which are about twenty years old now. They don't hold a candle to the newer panels. I have used older Chapman audio speakers, older Vandersteens, Mission, Apogee, Magnepans, Von Schweikert etc. None of the older models hold up to current standards of performance. I have heard dozens of vintage speakers, Quad, JBL, etc. at shows and dealers. None of them have impressed me terribly. Same with amps and preamps I have owned, Threshold, Audio Research, Adcom, PS Audio, receivers from Sansui, Denon, etc. My friend bought a beautiful pair of vintage McIntosh amps I heard on his big rig; they're going into this basement system, the correct decision. Wh�y? Because they can't compare to the Border Patrol SET amp he owns. 

So, if you wish to judge my conclusion based on the gear I have owned, feel free. 

Now, if someone is enamored of a very syrupy, "warm" sound, then I can certainly see how a vintage speaker would fit the bill. I remember one reviewer who said he actually tries not to get too much definition in an audio system. To me, this is the antithesis of the High End. One does not need current standards of precision and clarity to obtain a satisfactory sound when timbre and the nebulous "musicality" are of higher importance and precision is of tertiary importance. Is it accurate to real life sound. Not to me, which is why I answered the way I did. 

Trelja, considering Quads, you couldn't get me to own a Quad. They� WERE a good speaker - that was LONG ago. The older models have severely compromised performance in terms of bass extension and power handling. And it sounds like it's coming from an orchestra pit, the speaker is so lowered. We're supposed to accept that in 2015? I will not. I don't give a speaker a pass simply because it has lovely mids. Nostalgia has carried them way too far. I have heard the older quads both he 57's and 63's and I wouldn't dream of owning them, not for great listening. The Kingsound King III tramples them. It has "all of that" in regards to the superb midrange, and much more, that is, an actual lower bass response, as well as a sound field that is above knee level. As far as new Quads, I wouldn't touch one.

Oh, I forgot to mention the Nakamichi cassette deck I owned, what a beautiful machine. A Nak was a great component in its day. 

cto517,  no, I'm not interested in spending more time on discussion of my older systems. I wish you well with your attempt to find a suitable sub. If you will allow a few comments in that regard from someone once called a "vintage hater," (LOL; at least I haven't been called that yet, directly!) you are correct about the Vandersteen sub. Avoid it. I had a pair of them and was overall unimpressed, and as you suspect the crossover is a problem. They integrate best with Vandersteen speakers, of course, but I found them unappealing. I didn't own them long because the bass was not terrific. (Now, I supposed I've offended all the Vandersteen lovers even though I owned them. Can't win, can I?)

You should consider JL Audio as well. I own two Legacy Audio XTREME HD subs, and I wrote them up for Dagogo.com, if that will be of assistance to you. I strongly recommend a pair of subs ultimately, as it is a superior experience (considering spacial constraints) to a single sub.
 
Salectric, if I recall correctly, the pair of Western Electric 757 speakers, which I also heard at RMAF 2011 in the Silbatone room, was obscenely priced. They lacked the terrific cleanness of more modern designs, and the cabinet influence was not good. I had a negative impression of them, and  thought to myself that they were one of the most overpriced to performance speaker systems at the show, in my mind proof that nostalgia sells. They used analogue tape to get them to perform well enough, and yet I still found them to be irritating. It has always stood in my mind as one of the prime examples of why I do not pursue vintage gear. 

An example of a speakers I would own rather than the vintage 757 are the Volti Vittora or Alura, gorgeous speakers in every respect, and if I'm not mistaken much less costly than the vintage Western Electric shown at RMAF 2011. 

If my analysis is considered to be arrogant, it is not my intent. If anyone wishes to see some of the systems I was most impressed by at RMAF 2011 they can find them on my show report at Dagogo.com.  It's obvious that what I consider to be superb sound will not mesh with what everyone else considers superb. 

Again, if  I have come off as being snobbish, my apologies. I will not keep raining on everyone's pool party. Blessings to all.

Trelja, good response! It sounds like you found your sweet spot for enjoyment. That's what it's all about. I'm a variety person; there's no one speaker technology which completely satisfies me, regardless of it being reportedly SOTA.

Not picking an argument with you, but a response to your statement, "My priorities lie in the sonic realm." Allow me to regale you with a story of subwoofers. Very fine adjustments of the Legacy Audio XTREME HD subs (as do all subs) influence the sonics of vocals, even female vocals, chamber music, you name it. I was dialing in the Vapor Audio Joule White 3 speakers today and tweaking the subs using female vocals and the music of Musica Nuda. Very light adjustments on the subs refines the timbre and spatial aspects of the voice and upright bass. If you have the means and space, I encourage you to consider adding sub(s) because it will elevate the experience with the Quads. If you select them well and carefully dial them in it will not harm the sense of speed and openness, but it will make them sound like they are innately more capable speakers. 

I will never forget the day many years ago when I visited a high end shop, I think it was Music for Pleasure in St. Louis. They demonstrated the benefits of a huge REL sub with a pair of capable floor standers using female vocals. Sub out - sub in - sub out... and my Immediate conversion to the principle that subs make a world of difference in the soundstage and timbre of vocals, or any other music. It almost seems magical, the power of a sub at discrete level to enrich music across the spectrum and elevate the performance of an already favored speaker. I invariably use them with the Kingsound King III ESL, even though it reaches 28Hz. The addition of the subs makes them far better sounding holistically and improves their spatial characteristics. I always review speakers independently of my subs, but almost invariably when the "testing" is over, the subs go in again and the experience is elevated. 
All this is all independent of listening level. I also do not typically listen beyond 95-97dB.   :)