Interesting read. I have listened to the MAXX IIs and Sophia IIs and with the correct associated gear, they are excellent speakers. Over priced, that is not for me to decide. I can also agree that without the correct assocaited equipment, they can sound very poor. Most of the dealers that I have heard them at had unfortunately had very poor sound. It wasn't until hearing them at a friends home and switching some components in and out did we hear their potential.
Happy Listening.