my friend has had all three-MMGs, 12s, and 1.6s in his room (also various cone/dome spks including gallo ref 3s) with varying results. he rejected the 1.6s and MMGs in favor of the 12s.

perhaps its room interface or personal preference. thats why having the luxury of in home audition is important and living in the LA area is conducive to that. full rangesoundlabs ES speakers seem like they may br preferable to you over any of the hybrid units. i stll plainly remember my incounter with A1s long ago.

as for the visceral factor, usually missing from headphones, i feel that it adds to the feeling of reality but isnt necessary for enjoyment. having heard electrostatic headphones, i would someday lie to have a pair. you can discern the stretch of a drumhead skin on tympan i for instance.

one speculation i have made is using a subwoofer with a set of headphones. it may not gel but i would like once to try it.