I owned Magnepan 3.5Rs with the true ribbon. Might have been happy in a much smaller room, but mine is ~ 20 x 40 x 12. I have 2 SVS powered subs (Plus and Ultra) but could never get them to interface smoothly
I also owned a bunch of box speakers, but most of the cost goes into the cabinet and especially stopping it from resonating, which has to affect the internal XOs: same problem with active speakers
What to do? OPEN BAFFLE. Emerald Physics makes excellent OB speakers with carbon fiber woofers and midranges that are concentric with polyester tweeters. Seamless, dynamic, capable of throwing an enormous 3D soundstage. Simply amazing and they are under 4ft high
My 3.4s play most music beautifully, except for deep bass, but you can get the 2,8s for that
hth
I also owned a bunch of box speakers, but most of the cost goes into the cabinet and especially stopping it from resonating, which has to affect the internal XOs: same problem with active speakers
What to do? OPEN BAFFLE. Emerald Physics makes excellent OB speakers with carbon fiber woofers and midranges that are concentric with polyester tweeters. Seamless, dynamic, capable of throwing an enormous 3D soundstage. Simply amazing and they are under 4ft high
My 3.4s play most music beautifully, except for deep bass, but you can get the 2,8s for that
hth