I have lived with the M100s for almost a week, in a 2 channel stereo system, and have played my usual playlist on vinyl and SACD. This system is in a difficult room, sloped 20'+ ceiling at high end down to 12' at the other, an open stairway to the second floor and a bit of a balcony. The floor has area rugs and leather furniture.
These are impressive, extremely accurate speakers. The sound stage is wide and high, but so far, not a lot of depth. Imaging is very precise and stable. The M100s are easy to listen to, not fatiguing. My initial concern about an 'overcooked' treble turns out not an issue.
Bass is very strong. I used the port plugs, but found they flattened the sound, so, I am running the M100s plugless. I moved the speakers about 3.5' from the wall. The bass is not perfect, perhaps a bit overdone, but, I have to say it is terrific and powerful nonetheless.
The M100s are accurate (maybe the bass is a bit loose), perhaps a bit analytical, not big on warmth. I think they might lack a bit of mid bass. Do they sound like live music? I have not achieved that yet.
I am using a B & K Reference 5 S2 preamp, set flat, a legendary Yamaha M-80 2 channel amplifier, set for 4 ohms, pure class A for the first 30 watts. I am sure I have not exceeded 30 watts. Most of the time, the amp is putting out less than 2 watts. I am not blasting these speakers but listen to jazz and space music at the volume as recorded.
My tube amp is out for repair and I will try it with the ASL MG 15DT SET when I get it back. I have an Odyssey Khartago on order and will try that as well. Perhaps I'll get that sound of live music yet.
It occurred to me that perhaps biamping the M100s, with a tube amp and a powerful solid state for bass might be interesting.
Question - If I split the output from my B&K and biamp the speakers with a tube for the top terminals and a solid state for the bottom will I get the solid state 'grip' on the low frequencies and the sweet tube sound on the mids and highs?
I don't know how that works. Maybe someone can answer this for me.
I am using a pair of Thiel CS 3.6s in my 9.2 home theater system. I think the M100s would be awesome HT main speakers.
Everyone who has seen them remarks they love the sound, but ask why each is finished in a different color. I have no answer.
I'll listen some more and report further.
