I was considering these a couple years ago but my local dealer was a clown(being nice) so I moved on, your lucky to be able to order direct. Don't worry about the 83db/spl spec, some claim the specs(85db) on the Maggies are jacked up. The latest model(b) is claimed to correct the rolled off treble which was one of the biggest weakness of the previous model. I can't comment on Timrhu's claim of upper bass/lower mid coloration since I've not heard the speaker. I would contact ET/Bruce Thigpen regarding any questions, since he was very polite and informative with me. If you can deal with the "ugly duckling" aesthetics you will possibly have one of the best new speaker values currently available.
Eminent Technology LFT8b
I'm curious to know if anyone here owns or has any experience with Eminent Technology LFT8b speakers. I will be getting a pair of planars soon, probably Magnepans, but what I've read about these speakers is very interesting. Their biggest downside is sensitivity, 83 db. If you liver further than 100 miles from a dealer the company will sell these direct with a 60 day trial period.