Just now finding this thread. I too find some recordings pretty bad. But then again most of the music I love and hear more frequently is an out of body experience when played through the ML 13a's. Sounds truly breathtaking. McIntosh MC452 drives my 13as.

I love the body it gives and detail. Not many high end dealers that close to where I live so really have only heard the McIntosh with ML. The MC601's are a tad bit more effortless.

At times yes, the ML 13a's can sound bright when played back loud. But we're taking very very loud. But that can be said for virtually all the speakers I've owned.

Some here love the Mac sound; others don't with ML. YMMV. It's worth looking into perhaps finding a way to get a dealer to let you try an different amp to see.

And most definitely get 2 subs. When I added the powered subs to these ML, it all kind of came together. Now I want more of it :)

Was just at Tim's place with his new setup which includes CLX's and 2-212's. Very very nice setup both soundwise and visually. You just can't beat the looks of those Mac needles swinging back and forth. Nice going TIM!

2 Channel: Bricasti M12 DAC & M28's Mono's Black / Aurender N10 Black / Treatments: RPG BAD ARC panels (F, S, Bass Trap & R walls)
Speakers: Martin Logan CLX ART (Dark Cherry) w/30# weights / 2-ML 212's Subs tuned w/PBK
Grounding: Nordost QKore 6 (2-M28, 1-N10, 1-M12, 1-QB8, 1-Router) / 8' Earth Ground Rod / Bricasti M12 w/Acoustic Revive RGC-24
Nordost: 5-QV2 & QK1, 2-QX4 / 12-TC Kones, 27-Sort Fut & 28-LIft / O2/V2 Pwr / O2: SC, Digital & XLR's / H2 Network / V2 RCA Sub's
Misc: Mini iPad / Furutech GTX-DNCF / LED lighting / Aurender AMM / Lovan Rack / SR Quantum Blue Fuses & Black Box
Media Rm: ML: 13A's, 2-Descent i's, 6-Vanquish, Focus / Parasound: 3-A23 &1-31 / Entreq SM /65" LG 4k OLED / Anthem AVM60/ Nordost Tyr 2