I've been lurking in this forum for a couple months now, but I wanted to chime in on Von Schweikert loudspeakers. I've had a pair of the original VR-4's since '96 and love them just as much today. A used pair of these has to be one of the greatest deals in hi-fi; I've seen them on Audiogon for around $1,500 per pair.
Albert also offers a radical upgrade for $2,500, but I've been satisfied enough with their sound that it's not high on my list of priorities (not to mention I don't have the funds to steer in that direction). I'll probably take the plunge within a couple years, but I'm in no hurry.
I'll second what Nick said, they are indeed a taper's loudspeaker: Neutral, transparent, dynamic, and they do the imaging thing very well. When I got into taping a couple years ago, I sent Albert an email telling him I finally disovered what the VR's were designed to do! After all, the original ad copy was, "Engineered to perform like a microphone, in reverse."
Customer service is also very good. If a flooded factory and ruined inventory couldn't stop Albert from making speakers, I think his company will be around for a long while.
(I apologize for the absense of an avatar--I'll get working on that!)
-Frank