one shot: KLH 17 or Large Advents?

Large advents sound constrained at low volumes IMHO. I have no idea about the KLHs. Personally, I would look for a more modern speaker design, your mira and apollo deserve better.

thx Hoopster that was actually my next question! I was wondering if it was stupid to go down the vintage route as I already have vintage speakers (not bad) but with this nice amp and cd player I should prob have something modern to go with them. the guru's are high on my list since they go well in small rooms and are designed to be placed against the wall for optimal bass response. but Im open to an good floorstander that does not have to go too far out into the room that will give me good bass to at least 30hz. I wont always be in this room but for now I am.

I used to sell both lines 30 years ago. I doubt either ever really went down flat to 30hz.

For vintage speaks, I always preferred the Ohm line to either KLH or Advent and so did many of my customers back then who heard both. They were always more open, fuller detailed and refined in most every way IMHO.

I still have the Ohm Ls I bought back then. I refurbished them myself recently. They sound better than ever and I doubt I will ever part with them. For rock and popular music in particular, they are hard to beat for anywhere near the price ($495).

You might pick up a pair of newly factory refurbished Ohm Ls via Ohm (www.ohmspeakers.com) if you give them a call. Yes, they still sell and upgrade most every speaker they have ever made for over 30 years, but only direct from the factory. These days, Ohm upgrades their old speakers with their latest drivers and components which makes them more competitive with other more modern designs. They also offer practical in-house evaluation options.

For something completely different, Magnepan MMGs would be another excellent speaker choice in the $500 price range if your bend is more into classical/acoustic music.

Of course, there are many other fine speakers out there in the same general price range, particularly if acquired second hand.

So many speakers, so little time......

You didn't mention a price range. The Von Schweikert VR2 speakers are a great match for your intended use; with deep, powerful, articulate bass, rich midrange and extended, but not bright highs. I think there's a used pair currently on the A/Gon.