Chashas1 Thanks for that thread. I am aware that my NS1000x's are monitors. They (or the 1000M, described by Bwcanuck in your post, the little sister of the 1000x, with lesser bass, lighter box, etc.) were at one time government broadcast studio standard monitors in some European countries.
Today I spent some time listening to a new Luxman 509u. It is very detailed, clean, and balanced, but maybe lacks the warmth and silkiness of the old Luxmans. I would need some side-by-side listening to confirm that. I was using it to compare some B&Ws (my current rear speakers), and found a very interesting tweak for the 805N that I'd like to discuss once I find an appropriate board.
I'll try to get to other new Luxmans tomorrow and next week. I found a mega-store that has a decent stereo dept with nice listening rooms in its basement. They had a Leben in there, too, but I've kind of lost interest in that.
Actually, the Yammies are sensitive, it doesn't take much to drive them at all, and they sound brilliantly clear even at extremely low volume.