Enjoying them a ton (and yes, they hit on the above required traits, and your bands are in sync with Sean's playlists), and although I listened to a lot of speakers before pulling the trigger on the KEFs, then Zus, they were all at a lower price point (especially used) then Doug is looking. There was a Zu Omen MK.II introduction sale, but unfortunately that ended (and started) last week. The KEF R700s are killer, but depends if you want a big sound, how you feel about crossovers, and how efficient is efficient. Add me as a fan of the upper Harbeths. Also for whatever it's worth I had big fears of Esmé destroying the drivers/cloth grills and after talking with a couple people who had similar fears at earlier points in their lives, so far we've all had zero problems. Course Vandersteen-like covers may be different. EDIT: Plenty of places have good return policies, but will just say the "pre-loved" Zus (sometimes used, sometimes new cabinets/used drivers, sometimes just on sale) have their normal 60-day return (free-shipping) policy and they've been rotating models there in batches. May be worth keeping on eye on if you don't find something else sooner.