I remember being at a gig and I think the guy had a free-floating brass and it was loud as hell.
Also, a guy had one of them run of the mill pacific maple 13" snares and its was tearing. Not a great sound, but you couldnt miss it.
The loudest I've heard (and one of the heaviest!) is the Tama Lars Ulrich Signature Bell Brass ( 6.5 X 14)... A new one goes for about $1500 or so.
Are these still in production?