I am sorry, I haven't heard the Artikulat speakers yet, so can't answer the question very completely. But I am familiar with the Espek and I doubt there is any comparison at all. To start with, the Espek costs around 4k, whereas the cheapest Artikulate (the smaller 320, in passive version) runs for around 17k. The 340 A (active) runs for 40k.
I have spoken with my local Linn shop and people who heard them at a show were not overly impressed. They sounded good, but they didnt think they would compete all that well with other speakers they sell in the price range. Of course these people also sell Sonus Faber, which make great speakers at these higher price points.
Concerning the Espek generally, it is certainly a competent speaker, but I think you can do substantially better in this price range. Since you are in the U.K., I would audition a pair of PMC OB1s. These are simply awesome, provided your amp can drive them. For myself, the only time I have seriously considered Espeks is when I have thought about driving them actively. But even then, the cost of doing so just didnt make it worth it. I love Linn gear, but speakers are not really what they do best.
