@jab - have you ever listened to Avantgarde Horns?
When I bought the Sonograms, I was not really in the market, but one listen had me returning to the dealer with amp and cables in tow - the rest is history
My experience with the Avantgarde DUO was just as dramatic - listening to the DUO's took me to another universe.
The sound is stunning - the most realistic I have ever heard,
But alas, this time - the price was a little too rich for me, so they stayed in the store.
I've listened to TOTL Sonus Faber and Focal, but for my ears the DUO's out performed them both
One day, when i win the lottery, the Sonograms will be moved to the A/V system and a pair of DUO's will take centre stage in my audio system
Until then I'm extremely content with the Sonograms - truly a masterpiece for the price.
Regards - Steve