Apogee Diva >Tannoy Westminster >ProAc Response 4 >ML Prodigy >MG20.1 >Stradivari >Magico MiniII
Hi Ckoffend,
Having lived for at least 1-2yrs with each of the models above, I must say that they're all wonderful speakers in their own rights. A couple of months back, the dealer friend who sold me my Strads 2yrs ago, loan me the MiniIIs for the weekend. Was initially quite reluctant and a little skeptical of all the hypes hovering around this overpriced Minis. But Hey, what the hell thought I--it's a free no obligation trial!!
As likable as my beloved Strads were, they just weren't on par against the MiniIIs in most keys and musically important areas. (Had a similar shoot-out vs the original Minis 2yrs ago, although showing potentials, I can't bear their upper mid glare and lack of bass foundations on most materials for the music to be believable enough for me, thus preferred and bought the Strads).
Having always been impressed with the Wilson's house sound, but somehow never loved them enough to live with one (their up and coming Maxx3 perhaps??), prior to my finalizing the Minis, me and some phile friends (one a happy Maxx2 owner), made it a point to audition other competing makes as well, including the Sophia2s and WP8s. Also happen during that particular time the Wilson dealer had a 2nd hand pair of Maxx2 in as new condition, selling for US$25k on hand (which tempted me quite a bit actually--more speakers for the money?).
Anyway, finally here I am ended up with the smallest, but in my and fellow phile's opinions, producer of the biggest musical enjoyment throughout our whole audition period! Seriously, you owe it to yourself to give a 'properly driven' set of Magico MiniIIs a serious listen. As I see that your priorities sonically are also a good match up to the Minis' strengths. Good luck in your search!