I went from some DIY floor standers. They were a MTM configuration using a Morel silk dome for the highs and dual Seas Excel 7" drivers for everything else. They were a rear ported design using some old Dynaudio variovents.
Honestly, I don't feel that a direct comparison would be fair to my DIY attempt because there really is no comparison. The RM30s really outclass them in most ways.
The most striking first impression of the VMPS however was the almost complete lack of coloration and haze from the music. This was a pretty shocking revelation. "Speed, Precision & Openess"
Next I would say was the precision in which the RM30s etch images firmly within the sound stage. Focusing on this was how I started the placement process. It was almost like focusing a camera but the images were unbelieveably clear and crisp.
Bass presence was certainly stronger and more pronounced, but not as predictable as my DIY speakers (I have the M model). The Seas drivers were crystal clear into their lowest reaches and given their forward firing orientation were very easy to integrate with the rest of the music. With the VMPS, getting the side firing subs to integrate fully with my room and the the mids/highs was an area the required significant effort for me. Ultimately I found that having the subs firing inward proved a better combination for my particular room.
Prior to the DIY attempt I had some Martin Logan SL3s that were decent for their price point but honestly I think that I was just being wowed by the panels. The integration of the lower frequencies on those speakers were just not acceptable. As for a direct comparison to the RM30, the ML (IMO) threw a larger sound stage but was colored and forward souding by comparison. Also given the ML design, placement and tuning was a never ending affair. Fun, but never ending.
I hope that this helps.
