Building a system and need some imput on speakers

You might consider revising your list given your preference for a system that "sounds natural like real music". Specifically, I would recommend speakers from Daedalus Audio. I am currently using a pair of DA-1.1's which retail around 6K. For better imaging and even greater lifelike dynamics you might try Lou's Reference Series Ulysses at around 9K retail. Both these speakers are made from real North American hardwood, sport high quality custom drivers and a top notch crossover network and, most importantly, sound like real music. Many of the speakers you have listed as possible options simply do not. I've heard most of them and if live music is your reference point and what you aspire to create in your living room you will be disappointed. Give Lou a call--he is a straight shooter who will not steer you wrong. He has several reviews coming shortly on his new lineup and once the news gets out you may have a wait before he can build you a pair.

what is your current system? as far as natural sounding speakers go, i don't think most users think of the sound coming from their speakers as 'unnatural'. its also just as likely to spend a lot less, unless of course you just dig the speakers you're mentioning. in that case, if you already own nice speakers, change for the sake of change is a valid, if costly reason to move to something different.

ps...if you're still using mini utopias and sub, i don't think any of the speakers mentioned are a step up any ladder.

I realize that you think you're going to save money by not going out and auditioning some speakers, but I think that's exactly what you need to do. Speaker choice is a very personal thing, as speakers that one person loves might be irritating to you.

I'd advise you to go to local dealers and listen to different speakers just to get some sense of the differences. Take CD's with you so that you can listen to your own material. And keep in mind that the speaker-room interaction and the speaker placement can make a big difference. (And to a lesser extent, the amp-speaker match.)

I know that's not specifically answering your question, but in the long run I think you'll be much happier (and have more money in your wallet) if you shop around and find the speaker that you really like and keep it for some time, rather than being disappointed with other people's suggestions and on a perpetual cycle of buying and selling.

Michael