I'll have to agree with loopy.

My exact take is that they are clean and don't compress until their limits are reached. Even at that point they are still clean and only start to compress the signal. I have only owned the older models (those with passive radiators) and the mid-bass is excellent. What I've heard from demo's in stores carries along those lines with the newer speakers possibly having a more laid back mid-range and better imaging. Of course that could be due to the room treatments that were in those rooms.

Service is great (in my experience) and pretty knowledgeable about sound, cross-overs, etc. in general.

You should give the Ref line a listen, you'll either love them or hate them with a passion.