To achieve sales numbers equivalent to 5Ks they will have to go some. Hence the radical change to "Lifestyle" appearance of product to compete on cost, in a high end consumer market.
Credit to the Premium Partners and other Meridian sellers for requesting a product with high sales volume potential. Entry level products are fundamental to creating brand awareness and a future upgrade sales pipeline.
From my limited experience it would appear many customers began with a CD player and a pair of 5Ks and have loyally stayed with the evolving M product proposition (limited by available funds) through thick and thin.
I hope the M6 launch is a great success giving prospective new customers access to high quality M audio at a reasonable price.
My receptors will decide (late January) on the relative value, but I am sure HQ know what they are doing.

AV: Thorens TD160B, SME, ShureV15MK2, 500, 598, 861v4, DSP7200.1, DSP3300HC Samsung UE55, SkyHD.
DINING: MS600, AC200, DSP5200SEUG.
STUDY 504, Roon Nucleus + RevB, 808v6, 5200SE, Mac & PC (Touch Screen), Prime+PS Grado GS1000i
HORIZONTAL: M80, MS200, Red Rose Spirit + Sonus Faber Toys, iPad Mini
A capella to Zydeco