ESS 1D's? Or Monitors? Or none...?

A piece of advice here from those who might be familiar with both the older models and also with the actual iteration of these (once) famous speakers:
a) if bought new (Manufacturer seems alive and well...) and have to choose between the "1Ds" and the "Monitors" (slightly more expensive...+$200) which one would be a better choice (regardless of price...);
b) if comparing the old speakers (seventies) with the new
ones, what should one expect?
c) would they be high end, or mid fi, and why? Thanks,

John