Wanna try some ACI Sapphire's? I'm ready to hop back on the playback merry-go-round and could be talked into parting with them at a friendly price. I'm thinking of some low powered tubes and the Sapphires aren't quite as sensitive as I'd like at 86db 1w/m. Hands down beat my old MMG's for bass (hits the upper 30's in my room), dynamics, midrange, wide sweet spot, and ability to play very loud without strain. Check em out at
www.audioc.com let me know if interested.
I didn't like the Mirage's and ML Aerius. I haven't heard anything else on your list. The GMA Europa's look very interesting, but seem like they'd need a sub. I read somewhere the GMA's are getting a price increase to >$1k very soon.
What about the Eminence Tech LFT8? Might be able to find a pair used for close to $1k, I think they're closer to $1500 new. I was going to audition a pair last weekend but never made it.