My take away so far is:
"I am happy i don't own B&W speakers." Early on when choosing a desktop system I did a comparison (A-B switch) between B&W & Martin Logan (15's) bookshelf speakers. The B&W sounded pretty damn good and I kept fighting with myself thinking, you can't chose the M-L over B&W. Eventually i just went with what sounded better to me, and in this case it was M-L. So, in the end it was just marketing that i was really fighting with.
For the Record, i am currently using Thiel TM3's for desktop application driven my M700's. (no need for subwoofer). This is justified bc i only paid $700.00 for the Thiel's at auction, brand new in the box with stands. And to me, the TM's are pretty damn good sounding speakers although i would not have paid $3,000 for them.
On the shelf taking a break waiting to be called in off the bench are my coveted & very close runner ups, Burchart S400's-(very fine speaker).
In the big room, "Surround Sound System."
Paradigm Prestige 95-F Towers/Center/Rear Surrounds & SVS subwoofer.