The best "imaging" speakers?

I find the systems used in most public venues "harsh" and sloppy to my ears-to say the least.

True i many cases - although not so at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club. They have an excellent sound system.

Psacanli, I actually never heard the JBL 250Ti, but isn't it possible that the difference you heard is in part caused by your new sources? I am driving the ESL57 with a mix Shindo preamp and EAR amp, and they are suberb. Ah, I also have a couple of Gradient woofer, which extend them down to 30Hz or so (which is driven by a SS amplifier). The only reason I am thinking to move to something else (but I haven't had the courage yet) is that I have a small room, and I think my system is a tiny bit oversized for that.

Audio Physic Virgo II. These image like nothing I've ever heard (and I've been to a few shows). I used to own a pair and 'upgraded' to MBL 121s. Even though others have cited the MBLs as imaging masters, the Virgos were even better IMHO. I miss them in many ways, even though they are so cheap - they're a real bargain.

Shadorne, you were lucky to go into Ronnies little club and I'm not surprised the system was good-It's a first rate joint, ain't it. Locations not bad either. Imagine sure the show was 1st rate as well.

Ggavetti, my source was the same turntable for comparison.
However you are right about the pre & amp-they were superior to my dated 33/303 system. I've never done a comparison since then and I must say I got tremendous enjoyment from my Quad set-probably would still be enjoying it today if I had not made what I felt was an upgrade.
Room size is a very important issue as well. Today in a smaller room I would prefer a small/medium speaker with excellent dispersion to add life to the music. I felt the Quads were simply far too limited in the dispersion area.
Well made smaller 2 way speakers are normally good imagers as well.