[dB Cooper]

As a retired engineer would just like to see more effort put into serious, practical designs.

Some of these actually are practical in an odd way (not the toolshed-sized horns) but I tend to prefer understatement also, both in design and aesthetics. But the point here was to have a few laughs.

[Mudslide]

About time for some open-baffle designs, Thanks

Ask and ye shall receive....

[Mike-48]

Gotta thank everyone who contributed. When I saw the thread title, right away I thought "The Avant-Gardes" and of course, there they were. But they have been outdone by some other incredible designs. I haven't laughed like this for years. Thanks again!
Oh, and though the Giyas outdid them, let's not forget these pioneers of remarkable design:

[jostber]

"Take me to your leader" alien type of speakers:

[dB Cooper]

Ask and ye shall receive....

An OB mini monitor?!? Would that even work? I guess this thread shows that that question may not even be relevant...

[dB Cooper]

Gotta thank everyone who contributed. When I saw the thread title, right away I thought "The Avant-Gardes" and of course, there they were. But they have been outdone by some other incredible designs. I haven't laughed like this for years. Thanks again!
Oh, and though the Giyas outdid them, let's not forget these pioneers of remarkable design:

When B&W jumped the shark... 4-way no less

[JLM]

Now that's a freaky looking design that makes sense. 

[rodge827]

Charney Audio Lumaca

[Norman Tracy]

I can not imagine a partner who would not be thrilled to host Danish Audio Design's new Black Diamond speakers. With the compact unobtrusive power amp as a bonus. Snark mode off it is a rather clever way to accommodate a several cubic foot enclosure into a (dedicated audio nerd) domestic setting.

[jtcf]

@jostber those are just awful, lol!Especially if they were BIG.

[dB Cooper]

Now that's a freaky looking design that makes sense.

Maybe- if you're Stevie Wonder...

[dB Cooper]

I can not imagine a partner who would not be thrilled to host Danish Audio Design's new Black Diamond speakers. With the compact unobtrusive power amp as a bonus. Snark mode off it is a rather clever way to accommodate a several cubic foot enclosure into a (dedicated audio nerd) domestic setting.

Can't imagine that recessed glass window right in the middle of the soundstage does the imaging much good...

[Mike-48]

Charney Audio Lumaca

Thanks for that. It seems that Charney has a whole line of interesting speakers, among them the Concerto:.

and the Companion Excalibur:

[rodge827]

Thanks for that. It seems that Charney has a whole line of interesting speakers, among them the Concerto:.

Interesting to look at and superb to listen too! 

FWIW I own a pair of the Companions.

[jostber]

Something with a bit more color might please the wife:

[Mudslide]

Something with a bit more color might please the wife:

UGH!

[Mike-48]

Kyle Hanson, Dan Ludois and a team of students at UW created this this 8-foot-tall speaker last year for the UW Engineering Expo.
This would be good for an apartment.

[dB Cooper]

Something with a bit more color might please the wife:

I don't know how anybody's gonna top that... but 'philes will probaby find a way.

Categories seem to be emerging, which I would summarize as Gaudy, Technoid, Kitsch, and Just Plain Ugly.