I have heard EBM's Rowland 8t Mini set-up,and will confirm that the Rowland is miraculously good.Neither EBM or myself have ever really heard the Mini model 1,but from everything we have read(other posters,and owners)confirm that the model II is superior.
His system is amazingly good,with rediculously good low bass,for such a small(not really)speaker.Tonal balance is superb,with decent soundstage(he has a fairly small,crowded room,but a good one).The high frequencies are amazingly linear,with wonderful detail.Only criticism is a slight lack of upper midrange air.
I believe the new,warmer mid/bass driver contributes to the ever so slight(only a nit-pick)lack of upper midrange air.Other than that,this is a wonderful speaker.