Kappa 9 vs Martin Logan Quest Z

I cannot say which I like better the ML or the Kappa 8. I Like the Kappa 8 over the ML Zquest and the Kappa 9s. The ML is bright and hashy and the Kappa 9 has too much going on in one cabinet. The dual woofers in the kappa 9 fight with each other. The Kappa 8 is also a difficult speaker to drive but it is kinder to amplifiers but not but not by much from the other two speakers discussed in this thread. If you want a bargain buy the Kappa 8 it blows the doors over the other two. I do not think you can go wrong with the Kappa 8. They disappear and have a great tonal balance. The friend that has my old set has changed everything in his system accept the Kappa 8 and the Threshold SA 1A monoblocks. He has tried other speakers but keeps comming back to his original choice. ML are bright as niles on chalkboard. The Kappa 9 the bass is muddy and fat confused and incoherrent.

I think I've ruled the K9s out, if at least only because I have other 'worthy' box speakers like Infinity Crescendo 3009's, Vandersteens, RTA15TL;s, NS-500M's, AR9s, 240Ti's, L100's (4 sale here) etc etc...and I also have SMGa's and MGIIa's...I'm just experimenting, looking for a better sound than last week...I have way too many speakers here, but I'm having fun experimenting with them all...

Today's addition to the short-list of what I'll buy next are: Thiel CS3.5's.

FWIW, between the Kappas and the ML's I'd choose the ML's. The last option, the Thiel 3.5's would be my choice.

In terms of bargains the Kappa 8 is one of the best out there, if you can find one with good drivers near you. An Adcom GFA-555 will power them quite adequately, so you don't have to spend a ton of money to power them either.

If you want to drive to Mid-Michigan to hear a pair I'd be happy to oblige, while I'm home late December-early January.

Kappa 9s are, IMO, the worst of the Kappa bunch, and yes I am familiar with them. I've had a lot of Infinity speakers, and I would take RS 2.5s or 4.5s, or a lot of the RS models, before I would take the Kappa 9s. The enclosure is not big enough for those 2 big woofers, and the bass is muddy. The Martin Logans are a better speaker, but if you decide on the Kappas, make sure the dome mid is still translucent and soft. If it is turning yellow and opaque DO NOT buy them. That means the dome mid is on the way out, and they are virtually irreplaceable. Believe me, Ive tried.
You might consider listening to some Vandersteens. They are a wonderful speaker, the best in their price range.
Good Luck, Martin.