Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

CTSooner well said

Matt, I have a similar sized room and have been generally nagged with LF room effects. I can appreciate your interest in finding a statement full-range speaker that takes advantage of your monoblock power. However, in view of room constraints it may make more sense to concede to mains with restricted LF in order to gain the flexibility of separately positioned dual subs. Maybe Zu Submission-- considering its relatively small footprint.

On a different path, maybe an omni like MBL or HHR Exotic could turn the room constraints to advantage. The Walsh-derived HHR TLS-1 was my personal favorite at Axpona and has moved me to a complete rethink of speakers. (Query Doug Schroeder at Dagogo). It may have slightly restricted dynamics relative to the others(less of an issue in a smaller room), but its refined natural timbre and spatial presentation within limited room space is extraordinary.

IMO Kaiser is a very strong contender among small-footprint speakers. I've never heard the excessive brightness of which you speak.

What do you think of the Scaena Manhattan? That one is also on my short list. It has great resolving power and a dynamic and exciting "big" sound, though is certainly best suited to a room with ample distance to the listening position. Not sure if you could manage that along an 18' room dimension.

I agree with everything you said Guido. Shows can provide an initial sonic frame of reference.

I very much enjoy the house sound of Vienna speakers...beautiful and musical. The Vandersteens sound nice (5+7) but left me feeling flat inside as well.

Matt, remind me again what initiated the speaker search? What is missing or what or you looking for exactly? The room/speaker coupling can be tricky especially when pressed for space like you are. You did a very nice (and efficient!) job on the room.

The Behold stuff looks very interesting. More German exotica. 55k is a lot of scratch for speakers though IMO.

I can second the recommendation of Brett Messler at Audio 202 in Far Hills NJ. Bret is a hell of a nice guy, very easy going and carries items before they are well known.

Even if he does not have what you like it will be an enjoyable time well spent.

Guido, I found High Fidelity Cables over two years ago and was blown away at how they sounded. They are something special.

There is a British brand that I plan on checking out that might be another worthwhile cable, Tellurium Q. I hear their new top of the line Silver Diamond cable is something special.