Just to throw in an agreement with the last poster: I run
ML Aerius i's matched with an REL sub. Was happy with them
before adding the sub; with the sub in the loop (properly
integrated), they're taken to a new level. And they will play loud. Loud enough for me, anyway.
I'm always a bit surprised at the vitriol that always seems
to enter these discussions, e.g., "that speaker sucks", or
"this is the only way to go" or "my ____________ speakers are the best thing since sliced bread"! I prefer ES technology for the transparency, soundstage,etc. Does that make conventional speakers bad? No, not at all. Have owned some real nice box speakers over the years: Snell, Advent,
Dahlquist (I know, not a true box speaker in the conventional sense, but close enough) and loved them all. But these days am more drawn to ES. Specs aside, folks, it always comes down to your preference. Recently heard some Def Tech speakers I'd seriously consider buying if I didn't already have the MLs.
There are many wonderful speakers available, but they ALL, that is to say ALL, involve compromise. You just picks yer poison and live with the deficiencies. Hope I haven't pissed anybody off.