@mayoradamwest… you are so right... any such discussion should
begin with the criteria one values most in their sound reproduction.
For me… that is… the utmost in transparency, detail
resolution, clarity, soundstage, imaging, and the tone, tenor,
texture and timbre of instruments (especially bass texture and
resolution), all in which the Legacy Audio Aeris is unmatched –
they make a double bass, cello, or piano sound live / real. Though,
the Focal 3 certainly comes close, as do the higher end Magico’s,
Tannoy’s, Gamuts, and ATC professional monitors.
Other factors, including aesthetics, are of secondary
consideration for me. Moreover, I value the capability of the
Aeris to correct for the idiosyncrasies of the room.
For others, these attributes may make them sound a bit strident on
occasion - they may value a smoother, less resolved sound. The
same is true for the Sopra 3, or the Magicos – they may seem too
strident at times (too transparent).
As you say… “to each his own.”