Concur with the guys that say that full range esl's are the only to go. Hybrids, whether esl or ribbon still have the big problem -- crossovers and different types of "drivers". Affordable speakers haven't gotten this right yet. Heck, most unaffordable hybrids haven't gotten this right either. ML hybrids offer just a "taste" of esl mid range transparency with their punk-ass panels. Sorry fellas ,but dis is da truth. Panel size has everything to do with the ML esl experience. If you want Quads I suggest you you back to the earlier models. Back to early 63's or 57's if you can find them. Quad's have really suffered with age. Crosby mods are a good thang. There is only one, and only one, esl that can give you most of the benefits of electrostatics and balls at the bottom -- dat be da big mojo, mofo Sound Labs. (Good luck with service, though, keep your little Aerius or SL 3's as a back up). Full range esl's do have their shortcomings -- while bass is extremely accurate and mid-bass is strong (hell, %^&^%&9@! generous) with the right recordings, these don't get "raucous" (without well thought out and costly subs, at the expense of some transparency). That said, I've embraced and struggled with ribbon/plannars and electrostatics for the past 15+ years. These types of speakers can bring you closer to the music... given associated equipment and source material... than anything else. But you have to be prepared to live with them. I live with them and love them 90% of the time. Once you have a taste of real detail and transparency, you can't go back, only try to find nirvana.
