switching to stand mount speakers

This is not answering your question, but assuming your price level is about $1600 or so, you might consider Ascend Sierra 2Ex. I have the tower version and it's tweeter is wonderful. 

I own both MMGs and (non-Meta) LS50s. I won't go into the MMGs, you already own them. LS50s are monitors. They are very revealing. And not very forgiving of bad source material. They will never sound as 'big' as MMGs, but no stand mount speaker can. In their own way, they are almost as room-critical as MMGs, and if used with a sub it better be a good one. REL T/7 or one of KEFs own for example, crossed over at 60-80 Hz. They also take a good long while to break in. New, they sound very lacking in bass, but then one day, the bass opens up and the overall presentation relaxes significantly. And you realize just how special they are. My experience with the BRXs is much more limited, My impression is they are much fuller sounding than the LS50, but with all the edges softened across the entire frequency range. The amount of cabinet surface area give to passive radiators means that a lot of bass and midrange is coming from the cabinet and passive radiators compared to the very 'quiet' constrained layer cabinets of the LS50. My theory is that is why the overall sound is less precise. Still no one would call it anything but a very good speaker. If I could only have one pair, I could make a good case for the BRX, but would probably step up to the KEF R3, which has most of the LS50 attributes in a more forgiving form, and better bass extension. Since I do have both, I get to appreciate the MMGs and the LS50s, each for what makes them special.

Get a small tower, same footprint as a monitor on a stand. I have MMGs and LS-50s. The LS-50s are in the garage, not good enough for inside work. Not sure what to get on the lower end, shop around a little.  

The GE BRX is an excellent sounding speaker.  It uses the tweeter from the Triton Reference and the bass is astounding for a stand mount speaker.  My buddy has a pair of the original LS50 and there is no comparison.  The LS 50 sound thin compared to the BRX.

+1 @russ69

@tbuff are you open to tower speakers with small footprint like a speaker stand? If not, you’ll likely be giving up bass extension.  Then again, Maggies are generally known for lacking bass energy so you may not miss it.  

Thanks to all for your input. I am using an SVS SB-12 NSD sub and It actually sounds great with the MMGs. Maybe the switch to either of the speakers in question would be counter productive. I've had the MMGs since 2009 and aside from the wife's disdain I really enjoy them. Would the switch to either of these monitors be an appreciable upgrade? Guess I would need to listen to all of them in my home and decide which sounds best.

“Guess I would need to listen… and decide which sounds best.” Now you got it. Panel speakers and box speakers have a very different presentation and different strong points. There is no substitute for listening.  And don’t worry about stand mounts or floor standers. Just find something that sounds good to you. A stand mount on a stand doesn’t take up any more useable room space than smaller towers.  I’m not saying towers are better, just that you shouldn’t limit yourself.

I bought the LS50 Metas a few weeks ago.  I really like the sound and they do a great job of disappearing in my room. I use them with dual subs so bass is not an issue.  I also have Nola Boxers which go a little deeper but are not as precise.  The Metas are accurate but not overly clinical. I think they’re an excellent speaker for the money. That said, if you’re into heavy rock music or similar, probably not the best match.  I haven’t heard the Golden Ear bookshelves but people who have them seem to love them.  Good luck in your search.  There are so many great bookshelf speakers out there.