Ok, they've been running continuously for 3 days and although I know a complete break-in may take longer, I don't have to wait to comment on my impression of them. I've owned many speakers over the last 50+ years including 4 different pairs of ML electrostats, the last being the Odysseys that I bought new 14 years ago. I've never met a speaker that I didn't appreciate for at least some aspect of their performance so enjoyed all of them. To be candid, though as I've gone through this speaker evolution, until the Odysseys, I was never totally convinced that the upgrades were a truly meaningful improvement.
With these this is no longer the case; after having gone through a significant portion of my music inventory, I find these to be the most satisfying and flexible speakers that I've owned for the types of music that I listen to. So far I've observed no weaknesses throughout a wide range of frequencies and volumes. Mid to high frequencies are clean and detailed without being bright and bass is unbelievably strong. I won't use terms like soundstage, presence, etc., not because they're unimportant, but because I really don't understand them. Suffice it to say that it is the most realistic and musical portrayal of instruments that I've ever had in my home and I recommend to anyone shopping to give these a try.
To answer one of your questions, I did not consider the Montis because of their cost but I'm sure they're fantastic as well.
My current system now is Shanling CD100, Peachtree Nova as a preamp, Peachtree 220 amp, Martin Logan Ethos speakers and Martin Logan Dynamo 500 sub which I'll likely not use after hearing the bass capability of the Ethos.
With these this is no longer the case; after having gone through a significant portion of my music inventory, I find these to be the most satisfying and flexible speakers that I've owned for the types of music that I listen to. So far I've observed no weaknesses throughout a wide range of frequencies and volumes. Mid to high frequencies are clean and detailed without being bright and bass is unbelievably strong. I won't use terms like soundstage, presence, etc., not because they're unimportant, but because I really don't understand them. Suffice it to say that it is the most realistic and musical portrayal of instruments that I've ever had in my home and I recommend to anyone shopping to give these a try.
To answer one of your questions, I did not consider the Montis because of their cost but I'm sure they're fantastic as well.
My current system now is Shanling CD100, Peachtree Nova as a preamp, Peachtree 220 amp, Martin Logan Ethos speakers and Martin Logan Dynamo 500 sub which I'll likely not use after hearing the bass capability of the Ethos.