You can easily hear the difference in imaging, bass, mids and treble with the actives vs. the M100s.

You don't need so-called golden ears. And it doesn't take a rocket surgeon to compare the listening window and sound power curves to know that the spinorama for M100s is a roller coaster ride compared to the actives. The M80s are even worse!

The M100s sound so good until you hear the actives. It's all a matter of perspective I suppose.

House of the Rising Sone
Out in the mid or far field
Dedicated mid-woofers are over-rated