Both DSP8000 and 7000 are hugely better than the other speakers you list. Meridian are not wrong about the incredible advantages of their DSP and active approach. The whole point about buying it as a complete system is it works so much better. You like open, airy and transparent? You like neutral, natural midrange? Tight bass (and plenty of it on hand)? You like adjustable and pin-point imaging? These are the reasons I picked 8ks. Don't be tempted back to lesser models!