Looking for Speaker Recommendations

Budget?  What sound characteristics are most important to you?  This info will lead to much better recommendations here. 

Just curious why the ma8950?  Given what you’re looking for, I don’t think you could go wrong with the Joseph Audio Pulsar or Profile, Usher Dancer Mini Two DMD (diamond tweeter), ProAc D30 (w/ribbon tweeter), or Spendor 7.2.  Also, the QLN Prestige 3 flies under the radar but by all accounts is a very special speaker — here’s a review…

https://parttimeaudiophile.com/2020/05/15/qln-prestige-three-loudspeaker-review/

Just some options to explore, and best of luck. 

With the additional info you provided I’d highly recommend stretching a bit for the Joseph Audio Perspectives and a Hegel integrated — with the $$$ you save by not buying the Mac that should make the stretch a lot easier. I heard the Perspectives with Hegel at a show and the sound was fantastic and everything you’re looking for, and I’d recommend the Hegel over the Mac for the same reason. Plus the Perspectives are very attractive and would look great in your living room.

Another option I’d highly recommend are the new Usher ML-801 speakers that have the benefit of being closer to your stated budget than the JAs if that’s an issue. Haven’t heard them yet, but I’m familiar with the Usher house sound and am confident they too would be right up your alley (I still do think their Dancer Mini Two DMD is also an outstanding option as it’s gorgeous and uses their top diamond tweeter along with being considerably less expensive and well under your budget). Here’s a good review — always a good sign when the reviewer buys the review sample (he upgraded from the Dancer Mini 2 DMD BTW)…

https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/usher-audio-ml-801/

Hope this helps, and best of luck in your quest.

By the way, I love the look of MacIntosh equipment. I have gone in repeatedly over the decades with the intent of buying a component. Within thirty seconds, I go “nope not for me”. Even a couple years ago my dealer said… “they changed their sound… it is more detailed , try it.” Thirty seconds… not a chance. For me.

@ghdprentice 100% my experience too.  I just don’t get it at all.  Working briefly for Magnolia I got to hear KEF Blades driven by Mac gear and they sounded like mush and nothing like what I know they’re capable of compared to hearing them at shows where they seemed completely open and transparent.  Maybe it’s just me, but Mac just seems like the Emperor’s new clothes of audio.