I am a planar person after all ..but the new slew of cone speakers (Magico, Rockport, YG, Focal, Wilson ,et al ) match them where they used to reign unchallenged.
Having always liked Apogees and Maggies, and auditioned the ML CLX and CLX Anniversary (with and without the dedicated sub), I was very surprised and impressed the first time I heard a Magico match that incredible alacrity. There are many characteristics that make up a good speaker to my ears...that is only one element. But when cones can just about get you there on speed/snap (or actually get you there), and that is combined with what cones can do well (unfettered slam)...that is a lot of fun.
I have heard Q1-Q5, YG Anat Ref II (not III or Sonja), Focal Grande Utopia EM, TAD Ref Ones and both Alexia and XLF...I should be hearing Altairs next week and am very intrigued to say the least. I really really walked away impressed with the much older Merak Sheritan IIs many years ago. The kind of impression that left me thinking I could take a Rockport speaker home someday and be really happy for a long, long time. Will be interesting to hear the latest generation of Rockports.