Which would you choose?

I agree with Mang53. I would add Innersound Eros to the mix.
If you can find a set of Eros Mk2 or 3 you should give them a try. The new replacement for the Eros called Kaya runs 20k.

If you have the space, I much prefer the Ascent to the Aeon. It is worth the price difference. A used pair of Sequels is certainly the bargain of the Martin Logan group, but it has been too long since I've heard them to make a direct comparison to the other two. I haven't heard anything by Paradigm in a long, long time.

Jeff

I'd take the Paradigms just because I don't like any of the other options. I'm not an ML fan, never heard one that I liked.

For your size of room I would recommend the Ascent.

If all your upstream components are good full range Planars (Apogee, Maggies) or Electrostats (Quads, Soundlabs) let the music through.
For example play the cd from Sara K listening with the song "Whipping Post" your brain/ear will sense a person is playing the guitar. Low to mid price dynamic speakers portray this same event as if the guitar is machine generated albiet with a bit more dynamics. But the increase dynamics are mechanical not natural.

If only one day we can combine the strengths of Planars/Electro with the strengths of top shelf dynamic/horn speakers!:)

For me, I not sure what exactly it is, but to my ear, the ML just had a wonderful sound. I'll definately try and take a look at the Quads, Maggies, and Eros but competent dealers in my area are a little tough to find, most of them are out gouging on speakers that don't compare or just don't carry quality speakers, so my chances to listin to the others is a major limiting problem, let alone comparing them. I've seen them at the conventions, but obviously those are far from the ideal listening enviroment.

The biggest reason my choices came down to Paradigm vs. ML is the one dealer within reasonable distance (90 mins) that I trust, carry those as their top of the lines.

Another question, I know the S4 are best with a sub, but what about the Accents and other speakers mentioned?

Thanks for your thought -- JD