Is this nuts?

Except for having Pamela Anderson come and live with you, nothing makes wives madder than loudspeakers which do not meet with their approval. My wife suffered from audio nervosa with several of my selections, so I understand completely.
The VR4jr's are not going to give you what you have, but are acceptable for most people. Note that they have a hashey upper midrange, odd, given the tweeter which is silk.Owners will decry this characterization, but compared to the Maggie's they aren't close to the 3.6. Trying to make her happy, while sating your audio needs, are polar opposites. The relative boxiness of the Usher's versus the Maggies was acceptable to you? If so, maybe this move will work. Keep in mind you'll lose bass, and dynamics.

I've never heard the Usher's, but am very familiar with the VR4jr's. I find it hard to believe you will be wanting for bass and dynamics with the jr's.

At the $8k range, try the VR4 SR's. That would certainly be an upgrade in performance. They are similar to the jr's in appearance so if the wife can accept the jr's she should not have a problem with the SR's.

You better get off the computer and look busy I think I hear your wife coming. LOL ...This thread should be titled do you have nuts? Tell her her shoes take up more space in the house then a pair of Soundlab U1's. Women on average live longer than men so find your sak and live!!!!