If you do not like the sound of McIntosh and Martin Logan then you are in the minority. I loved them when hearing a demo. As a musician your wife has tuned ears. I am the same. Not only the music but the accuracy of instruments sounding as live. Violin cat gut vibrating cello string. Can you hear the resonation of the wood chaber of the instrument. Other people listen differently. I thought a pair of B & W 683s I heard at best buy were harsh in the highs and had no dynamics in the bass. Could be the recording? The demo room? Many people like them but I did not. So I fall in your catagoy there.
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!!!