I really like them a lot, but I haven't been auditioning critical listening bookshelf monitors in so long it's hard for me to say. They BLEW away the Orb Audio Mod2x set I thought was going to be "magic" based on reviews. Efficiency is great- they can get LOUD. I've paired them with a CHEAP 8" powered sub for the moment to give them the depth they need and it works quite well. It can get a bit muddy, but I don't expect much from it. I will probably build my own powered subs when I 'get a chance'