As someone who owns the MA PL200 IIs, they handle detail well. The bass is sounds just fine to me (I think I read here that the 200s handle base better than the 300s) and the whole business about being laid back is not, in my humble opinion, true. This coming from someone who owned a pair of Magico S3s. Look, the PL line from MA is a well built, well designed, superior sounding and well reviewed (by professionals and consumers alike). They get better and better with each upgrade. They are worth an audition. I would even go a step father and say you will not be disappointed if you go with the PL 200/300s. I appreciate the fact that we all have different ears and hear things in our unique way. While I am happy with the performance of my speakers, another may not care for the sound they produce. It is the joy and magic of our hobby.
Monitor Audio Pl 300ii vs. KEF Reference 5
I own the KEF Reference 5s. I borrowed the Monitor Audio Pl300 ii speakers for comparison, which is still under way. Thoughts so far: Both are good speakers. The KEFs provide a lot of detail. Listening to classical music, you can hear orchestral instruments and sections pretty clearly. Background and counter melodies can be identified. Piano music is very realistic. The MAs do not provide as much instrumental detail but they do have a more mellow, deeper, broader sound. Which is better is really a matter of personal choice. As I said, I’m still listening so these are some quick preliminary reactions. More later.