Regarding side firing woofers. As usual, it is not the design but the implementation of the design. Several fine speakers manufacturers opt for it, including the highly regarded Audio Physic Virgo, and from the slam of the NHT 3.3 to the balanced perfection (ok, I'm biased, I own a pair) of the Coincident Super Eclipse, to the gentler side of the Mahlers. If you can't tell, I'm a fan of this design, and have heard so many different "sounds" from speakers using it (just compare the Virgos to the 3.3s) that I am convinced that done properly it is as viable as any other box design, properly executed.
Regarding the Mahlers. I heard them about a year ago, but not under ideal circumstances. The dealer had just received a pair a few days before I arrived, and I was on a business trip so I could not stay to wait for proper break in. From what I heard though, I would definitely like to re-listen. My impression (similar to the reviews I have read), limited though it is, is that it seems to be more suited to legit music, but very promising even under early conditions. I second the opinion that they are worthy of a drive to a dealer.
Regarding the Mahlers. I heard them about a year ago, but not under ideal circumstances. The dealer had just received a pair a few days before I arrived, and I was on a business trip so I could not stay to wait for proper break in. From what I heard though, I would definitely like to re-listen. My impression (similar to the reviews I have read), limited though it is, is that it seems to be more suited to legit music, but very promising even under early conditions. I second the opinion that they are worthy of a drive to a dealer.