I think, as with bass cab, we will have different preferences and shouldn’t rely too much on YT, etc.
As you said, in the flesh might be very different. You cant really portray the kick and punch you will get in the room. I’d say the review are helpful to point out negatives, like not being able to handle certain things. As with headphones some are better than others with different genre’s.
im starting to warm to the MTM’s now, but cant help feel they are over priced and you are paying for the compactness and fancy DSP. I cant get my head around them being good for accurate recording though. I know you wont need that feature, but they seem to be sold as such.
End of the day, we have an abundance of EQ options so i don’t think you can go too far wrong. I do like the idea of slightly larger speakers on small stands either side of the desk. This is will cut down on any vibrations.