havoc,
Having heard the Monitor Audio platinum speakers, I'd have to disagree with your assessment. For me the Monitor Audio Platinum series, while very vivid sounding, sound bleached and artificial for lots of content. (Though put just the right audiophile track on and they shine). And I've never heard the Platinums do as great a "disappearing" and 3 dimensional presentation as the Joseph speakers. That is one of the JA strong points remarked upon by the vast majority of listeners.
But, hey, opinions are subjective and my "natural" may not be your "natural."