I must say, at this point, that everyone here is probably right. Sound tastes being as infinitely varied as they are. I think all will agree, that what sounds good to one, may sound shyte to others, i.e. Virtuamike is correct in saying the sblive has a slightly muddier(I prefer, "Warmer"

)tone than the xp...I like this, though others may not. I like bass with very little treble, as it hurts my ears,(treble)snif, and though some may prefer the crisper(well corrected mike, sounds better than "tinny"

)sound of the xp..Your best bet, ultimately is to get into a situation where you can hear them all for yourself, then make up your own mind...Make sure though, that the room you hear them in is dimensionally similar to your own living area, as you may get a nasty surprise to find that when you get it home, it sounds nothing like it did in the shop, or place that you heard it. Try to avoid soundrooms, etc, as they are designed for optimal sound dynamics, and as such, sound nothing like the average living/computer room....