Having purchased the Martin Logan ESL from BestBuy, and having listened to all of the other box speakers there from B & W, Definitive Technology and Martin Logan themselves, and also having been listening to box speakers for 40 years by the likes of Advent, Genesis Physics, Infinity and Mission, I can state unequivocally that the ML's imaging, dynamics and tonality far exceed any produced by a driver in a box. I totally get the OP's wife's opinion.
Musician vs. audiophile
We need direction here. My wife, a musician and says my Sophia 3s, powered by BAT 3VK IX tube pre amp and 250w solid state amp sounds flat compared to a freaking Best Buy box store
McIntosh/Martin Logan setup... I can't honestly disagree, specifically when our rig is at low volume. It lacks color and punch, even with 2ea. JL 12" subs... Help me with your recommendation, please!!!