Boutique or Big Brand?

op

I want a slim tower because I feel a lot of them have the same footprint as a pair of standmounters and have better bass extension.

very few slim floorstanders do serious bass near or below 40 hz... if you like your tektons above 40 hz as you say, it seems the most straight-shot solution is to integrate a pair of good subs and be done

if you are changing speakers entirely, you have been silent thus far on the most major factor to get you useful advice, which is, what are trying to improve sonically (other than sub 40hz bass) over that your current speakers are delivering?

the speaker brands under consideration you mention are truly all over the map in terms of sonic presentation they will bring... so unless you can articulate the answer to the above question, you are likely embarking on a pretty random walk in a forest of unknown speakers...

Add a pair of subwoofers and be done. SVS, Rel, etc. 

1975r ;

To answer your original question... I had considered the same decision last fall .

I chose the 'Big' company . I did this because of 2 factors .

1.) Big company's do the shipping process better than private individuals . A big deal when considering speakers . They also take returns , usually .

2.) If it comes time to resell them ... it is easier to sell a known entity than something that is not !

Just something to consider .

Good luck and be safe .

@l1975r OP, you asked how the Salks sound?

I would describe their sound as accurate without being clinical. Their Be tweeters are very well implemented and, in contrast to other speakers I tried with a Be tweeter, these are clear and crisp without a hint of over-brightness. Cymbals ring out, violins are precise and distinct, drum hits have detail and resonance -- but there is no fatigue. The midrange is startlingly accurate -- voices are intimate and right-sized, instruments sound like themselves (e.g. including pianos, bassoons, etc.). The speakers are nimble, too, conveying transients and dynamics with a sense of drama. As for the bass, it was probably the most surprising element -- it’s incredibly full without bloat. Probably the front ported, transmission line design. I put on "Little Bit of Loving" by Shelby Lynn and the initial "thump" of the bass drum was really took me aback. At many points, I’ve had to go check that my subs were on while the Salks were playing.

Does that help?

Make the drive and turn it into a nice weekend trip. I liked the Eggleston I heard, KEF R-11, the new Paradigm Personna,  and several others.  But so much had to do with the electronics that were paired with them. I heard a pair of Spendor that had a surprising amount of lower frequencies being well produced.  But of course the smaller room will have it's own impact.  I would be inclined to save a couple hundred for room treatment as well. Enjoy the journey. Keep the mind and ears open.