Ok, they've been running continuously for 3 days and although I know a complete break-in may take longer, I don't have to wait to comment on my impression of them. I've owned many speakers over the last 50+ years including 4 different pairs of ML electrostats, the last being the Odysseys that I bought new 14 years ago. I've never met a speaker that I didn't appreciate for at least some aspect of their performance so enjoyed all of them. To be candid, though as I've gone through this speaker evolution, until the Odysseys, I was never totally convinced that the upgrades were a truly meaningful improvement.
With these this is no longer the case; after having gone through a significant portion of my music inventory, I find these to be the most satisfying and flexible speakers that I've owned for the types of music that I listen to. So far I've observed no weaknesses throughout a wide range of frequencies and volumes. Mid to high frequencies are clean and detailed without being bright and bass is unbelievably strong. I won't use terms like soundstage, presence, etc., not because they're unimportant, but because I really don't understand them. Suffice it to say that it is the most realistic and musical portrayal of instruments that I've ever had in my home and I recommend to anyone shopping to give these a try.
To answer one of your questions, I did not consider the Montis because of their cost but I'm sure they're fantastic as well.
My current system now is Shanling CD100, Peachtree Nova as a preamp, Peachtree 220 amp, Martin Logan Ethos speakers and Martin Logan Dynamo 500 sub which I'll likely not use after hearing the bass capability of the Ethos.
