Dave_b, My man there isn`t a box speaker on earth 12k. or under that reproduces music realistically as though your siting in the Lincoln center in Washington, DC or as you put it at the Village Vanguard. Just think if you were in a concert hall would the music sound like it was coming from a box? For heaven sakes no, I`ve paid 250.00 of my hard earn dollars to hear a great musical it best not sound like its coming from a box. The acoustics at the Vanguard isn`t that good a live recording the box speaker sound worst. Once you`ve listen to the magneplanar`s (aka) maggies set up properly you would never ever want to listen to a box speaker again Corwalls, Klips, Wilson Audio Alexia 25k, Martin Logan`s, Gauder Berlina Akustic RC 9`s 75K. know matter the cost. The best box speaker I have ever heard was the Tannoy Golden Seal`s I wouldn`t give up $2.00. for the Golden Seal`s or any other box speaker. For 6-7k you can pick a pair of maggies the 20.1`s that will just blow you away given you have the room and the right amplification. I`m absolutely blown away with my Maggie 3.6`s (2) Velodyne 12inch. subs the Pass XP30 Preamp and the Pass butt kicking XP 350 Power amp. If your hearts desire is to be at the Village Vanguard mentally but actually at home weighing in on your easy spot listening to your favorite artist follow the advise I promise you you won`t regret it. I am so in love with magnepans I plan to build an addition on to my home a 35X35X12 room and purchase a Pair of 20.7`s; now if the LORD really really bless me I see the 30.7`s 30k I`m speaking it into existence as though it is so Hebrews 11:1-10 Stay blessed.