I was convinced that I would never get any speakers other than B&Ws. I love that company, and for the price, I consider them to be 'giant killers' throughout their entire line. I see agoners constantly knocking companies like B&W and MF because they get constantly reviewed by mags and praised and through being very successful they become 'very common'. It seems like once a brand is not an audiophile 'secret', people knock them. I love MF and Jolida as well, I think they outclass or match much pricier gear. BUT, after hearing the RX8s, I bought them. They outclassed the CM9s to me. As they broke in, I am floored by how incredible the RX8s sound. They push a lot of bass, so if you're not into a lot of bass, stay away. Somehow they do it with 4" cones, which I still can't believe. But it's very tight bass. I used a decent $1,000 12" powered Sub with my B&Ws, which I read were 'bass heavy'. Now that sub stays off, as it's bass isn't needed and just sounds bloated and cheap compared to the RX8s. They are superb in every area I can think of.