Getting into audiobooks--suggestions, please!

[tzikeh]

I'm thinking of diving into the deep end of audiobooks. I'd love some recommendations, but I'm not just interested in the quality of the book (of course, I think it goes without saying that I'd like to hear some great books, fiction or non-). Flist -- would you give me the names of your favorite audiobook performers? Whose voice soothes you, or revs you up? Which readers infuse their readings with life and excitement? Who makes you laugh like crazy? Who does a wonderful job of differentiating characters?