I think you answered your own question.
Well I guess we cannot compare the Kit281 to the AV1 because they are too different.
But we both agree that this speaker is not suitable for high SPL purposes.
I favor the Kit281s to three towers I have owned, Image 4ts
uses two 5.25" midwoofers...
Yeah I guess its all about tradeoffs, no speaker is going to give you everything that you want.
I am not sure where people come up with the idea that the Kit281s lacking midrange ability.
IMO:
Instruments and vocals in the midrange area sound sweet and creamy , also the words drippy and...
Brian I am sure you know this but you won't get 103dbs your subwoofer off, not even close.
Also I would consider 103db peaks extremely quiet for that scene.
I like my peaks in some heavy sound effect action type movies to get up to around ~113dbs..just enough to make you
jump a little bit...