This is the second year I was impressed by the sound of the YG Acoustics modular loudspeaker. As configured, this one runs $90,000/pair, although, as Yoav Gonczarowski, the company sells more of the configuration that eschews the second bass module. That version sells for $60,000, and is the most popular loudspeaker in its price class in Japan, selling four pair each month.

The sound was coherent and phenomenally dynamic; precise, without a hint of etchiness. Gonczarowski chose to demo with a Krell DVD Standard, KAV280p, and KAV2250, "just to prove that we sound good with affordable components." I reckon that your definition of affordable is somewhat skewed when you can actually sell $60,00/pair loudspeakers.