gumbedamit, the Spectra 33s were not a great example of what Acoustats were capable of. All ESLs require subwoofers to be set free in terms of dynamics. With subwoofers ESLs are significantly more dynamic than Maggies with subwoofers. When you factor in an 8 or 9 foot ESL you are in an entirely different ball park.
Just like ESLs, Maggies are really bad at low bass. This is a problem all open baffle loudspeakers have. Their midbass is wonderful and the Maggie ribbon tweeter is IMHO the best tweeter made even if it is on the fragile side. ESLs however do not have tweeters. It sounds like you are firmly in the dipole camp. I would not waste more money on the Acoustats. I think the 20.1's are a better speaker. The 20.7's are better but not obviously so. If you want to get to the next level then shoot for large Sound Labs and I promise you will never look back. I am intimately familiar with Acoustat, Magnepan and Sound Labs. I own or have owned all of them along with Apogee Diva's.
Just like ESLs, Maggies are really bad at low bass. This is a problem all open baffle loudspeakers have. Their midbass is wonderful and the Maggie ribbon tweeter is IMHO the best tweeter made even if it is on the fragile side. ESLs however do not have tweeters. It sounds like you are firmly in the dipole camp. I would not waste more money on the Acoustats. I think the 20.1's are a better speaker. The 20.7's are better but not obviously so. If you want to get to the next level then shoot for large Sound Labs and I promise you will never look back. I am intimately familiar with Acoustat, Magnepan and Sound Labs. I own or have owned all of them along with Apogee Diva's.