The MC Audio RL21 is reported to be in the same class as the KEF Reference 1 and BMW 805D standmounts. I can't comment about that having never owned either, but it's certainly in a different class to all the Shahinians I've had and love (I still have a Larc). VFM is off-scale at the kind of prices you and I bought at (I bought 2 pairs , one new pair which blew my socks off and other ex-dem.....the latter I actually paid much more for as I was desperate to get it, and it was in the silver/tourmaline finish I wanted).