Also, IMO the mk2 version does not improves significantly upon the mk1 model '(if at all)'. Certainly not to justify the large price difference between the two models, i.e. almost a factor of two
You are comparing new to pre-owned/discontinued prices. I was commenting based on the differences in sound. Otherwise for the money the original is a great value. The C1 speaker is not for everyone. As far as heavy metal I would recommend something like S25's instead (Sapphires or Consequence UE if price were no object). But for classical rock Jazz New age rock etc I think the C1's do a great job. I rarely play my music loud and that is one of the advantages of the MKII over the MKI besides being a 'little' less nasally sounding. Both speakers are world class.
While the C1 have a very seductive midrange they are not very transparent (this is still the case also with the mk2 models).
I strongly disagree with that statement. In my opinion they are the most transparent speaker I've ever heard. They just disappear.
In my opinion someone looking to set up a system should find the speakers they prefer the most first. I bought the Bryston before my speakers and although I was quite happy there was always something missing (control). I came real close to getting the Naim Supernait but then I considered tubes and then after an in home demo with the Octave I pounced on it.