MAXX 1's were a bit incoherent! When I owned them they sounded like separate drivers instead of a wall of sound; and the tweeter was a bit etched. They killed my Watt/Puppy 5.1's however. I agree that sitting too close they don't sound their best even with the time alignment system designed into the model. I find my MAXX 2's superior in every way; much smoother top to bottom; much smoother, musical tweeter, great articulate bass with excellent extension. I actually prefer my 2's to the MAXX 3's which I have listen to at three different stores; one with Lamm; another with Krell and third with Boulder system. For me the Lamm was most musical, but lacked low end heft and volume. Next favorite was with Krell, last was Boulder. I'd love to know the electronics others were listening to when they felt the bass was poor. Set up of Wilson's take time and patience and very small placement adjustments can reap huge sound gains or losses!