Discussion of speaker must include the entire set up, what is driving them, room set up, of which the variables are infinite. My current room has Totem Element Metals driven by VTL pre and amp, set into the corner of a room…IMO, sounds fabulous with a huge stage, incredible depth, and voices are as if the singer were 12 feet in front of you. Have never heard better even with set ups costing twice as much (over $100m). My set up has multiple acoustic elements to limit sound bouncing around room. I also added a sub, primarily for vibe below about 50hz. Virgil Fox sounds like he is playing in my room.
So, maybe most of the money needs to go into the room and set up… I am guessing to arrive at the final positioning my speakers were moved about thirty times, some moves being in the half inch variety.
and now, the real issue, age of listener, actual ability to hear differences, True confessions… will not disclose my age, but my daddy bought me my first Porsche in 1960…. LOL