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It isn't just you, though many say that the quasi ribbon models have improved on that.
I had the Maggie 1.7s with the all quasi ribbon. I can't speak to earlier designs but the lack of body at low listening levels is also one of the reasons I jumped to the JansZens. I was considering the 3.7s or possibly the 20.7s as my next jump but I heard the same need to be in the volume sweet spot when I auditioned the 3.7s. Due to my wife's work schedule I often have to listen at quite low levels while she gets some sleep. The JansZen's sound character doesn't change with volume, it just swells and seems to come from a bigger speaker as you raise the SPL.
I have owned the ML Summits, and have heard Summit Xs, CLS's Montis, Prodigys, in various set ups. I have also heard Audio Exklusiv (full range planar from Germany), Soundlab Ultimates (with the metal chassis), Quads and Maggies (not 20.7 yet), and Apogees. My favourite is the Analysis Audio (Omega or the Amphitryon). It has the magic of the Logan midrange, but much more fuller bodied and well integrated bass. But then if you want high quality for a low price try the GT Audio Planar, which is ribbon magnet hybrid. Very musical ribbon, and much punchier and dynamic than a Maggie. I sold my Summits and am contemplating either the AA or the GTA.
I've listened to and lived with small sweet spots, but any speakers sound best when you're center. However, there are other, frequently overlooked problems with limited dispersion. One is that the dispersion of a limited-dispersion speaker changes with wavelength. Since both on-axis response and uniform polar response are crucial to realism in the reproduction of acoustical instruments, it's hard to get such a speaker to sound realistic and I think this more than anything else is why many stats, despite their superior detail, don't sound as realistic as they should. Toole's research suggests that power response is critical to the perception of sound quality, but audiophiles (and many speaker manufacturers) tend to focus exclusive on on-axis response. Even with baffle step compensation, bBoxes can never sound right because they're cardioid in the mids and highs and omnidirectional in the bass. Stats, with their limited excursion, run into problems with driver width, as do optimistally-designed speakers in which the dispersion of the lower frequency driver narrows as one approaches each crossover point.
The best planar with a long ribbon I have heard is the analysis audio, modded crossovers. But Greg's GT audio at just over 6k is pretty close. I prefer both to Maggie's and Montis. I owned the summits.
And so it goes .... ESL and most panels lack (meat on the bones) due to a lack of percussive energy especially in the critical 100-250hz region....
Not sure why, as some are hybrids with well integrated crossovers.
I would +1 for the GT Audio Works hybrids. (http://www.gtaudioworks.com/Products.html) I have listened to 3.7s, and I feel the GTA speakers are far more dynamic and engaging. I have a buddy who lives near Baltimore who would probably let you audition his pair if you're close. I've not heard the MLs however, and can't comment.
