MartinLogan SpirePrice: $8495 per pair

Website: www.martinlogan.com

Roger said: MartinLogan's Spire is a visually stunning loudspeaker with a big, open sound to match. It did not, however, sound exaggerated or over the top in any way, and had few sonic compromises. If you think a hybrid electrostatic loudspeaker isn't for you, give the Spire a listen. In fact, anyone considering spending around $8495 for a pair of speakers should hear just how great the Spire actually is.

Reviewers' Choice

Read the SoundStage! Hi-Fi review.

The gist: Re-perfecting the hybrid electrostatic loudspeaker, yet again.