Robert,
Are you referring to Mike Knapp's speakers? If so, my Metals use the same 5.25" woofer. I'll compare the Metals to these new speakers and see what I think.
Hank,
Yes, for whatever reason I really like the aluminum cones. One thing I have noticed is that bass response seems more articulate with the aluminum cones vs. the paper cone speakers I've heard. Or maybe it's simply the XO design. I guess we'll have a better idea which is true in the near future.