Majik 140 vs Majik Isobarik. Actively Listening

[sunbeamgls]

Off to the Linn dealer a few days ago to consider options for replacing my ever faithful Keilidhs.

The full review is at my blog here: 140 vs Isobarik Review

Here is a brief summary:

System: ADS/0/D, AK/1, A2200/D for super tweeter, M6100/D for the other drivers. So apart from the AK/1 rather than my AK/0/D the system was as my own.

M140s first
then M Isobariks

Its difficult to A-B them as it takes about 20 minutes to swap the speakers over, get them level and to swap all the aktiv cards between the amps. None of the aktiv cards are common.

All FLAC ripped CDs. Tracks by Blues Company, Yello, Eagle Eye Cherry, Kiki Dee, Tom Baxter.

Thoughts:

Both are way more detailed and easy to listen to than my Keilidhs.
They both have good drive and deliver the rhythm well.
The 140 superficially seems to have more bass, but actually, the 'bariks go deeper and deliver a better definition of a tune and instrument pitch in the bass, whereas the 140s are loosing control - this is relative and the 140 is still a great listen.
The 'bariks deliver a very different mid-range - male vocals are better defined but recessed further back in the mix.
The 140s produce a much more precise image (instruments are easier to pin-point) and "disappear" as a point source better than the 'bariks.
Overall, I think the 'bariks are the better speaker, particularly the way they deliver bass. But they really are quite different in their presentation compared to the 140s.

I would be happy with either.
The 140s also look better to my eyes!

Thanks to the gents at HoL.