I guess I'm the opposite. The Grand Veenas were my first exposure to hifi and they were the best I've ever heard. I've heard a few other system that had Harbeth SHL5 (very nice), Audio Note, Paradigm. Now, I've never heard the Nines but I know a great system can be built around them with Shindo and Leben gear from all that I've read.
My issue also comes down to price. The GVs should I buy them may be $750 cheaper then the Nines. I feel the GVs are more speaker for the money, in addition to my predisposition to think they would be superior to the Nines.
Still, I know to make good music, you need to have a good system not just good speakers. Not sure what components I'd put around the GVs. If I had the Nines, no question I would go with a Leben integrated, and if I felt the need, upgrade to Shindo separates.