As far as the sound of the Sapphires M3 goes, I can tell you this they can have pounding bass, liquid midrange, open and open highs, or brighter, more aggressive, or darker, all with the same gear, how? just change a power cord on your amp or the front-end gear. I switched 4 power cords tonight for the fun of it and each cable made the speakers have a different character, no different than any other speakers I've owned in 40-plus years. Cables matter, your room matters on how any speakers sound. The most open and yet musical sound I get from my M3 is with the PS Audio Statements 2nd generation. 1st generation is excellent also but brighter. Nordost Valhalla, sound like Nordost quick, fast and lean because they work their way from the top down, they are voiced for the current trend of giving you all detail so you go wow! But you tire quickly because too much is out of balance. So if you hear my speakers with them your opinion might not be positive, but then if that is what you think is correct you love them. M3s only give you what your overall system sends to them, and room acoustics are included.