Looking for a high-quality 2-way speaker

You've got some great speakers listed. At the recent NY Audio show I got to hear the Carmels back-to-back with the Joseph Audio Perspectives -- different rooms a couple doors apart -- playing the same track (St. James Infirmary). From the mids on up they both sounded very good and more alike than different, but the Carmels were less linear and a little boomier in the bass (not uncommon under show conditions) despite being in a much larger room. The Perspectives were in a very small room and still sounded very balanced and detailed across the board, and they're wired internally with Cardas wire so that may mate well with your current cables. I think the fact that they worked very well in a small room may be a plus for you as well. Quite frankly with a small room I'd go for the Pulsars that will have similar sound characteristics and save you several thousand dollars, but you say you need a floorstander.

The Alya lists for almost $30k and is over $10k more expensive than any of the others you listed. I think the Mira 2 would be the more appropriate model to look at considering price (altough they're 3-ways with side-firing woofers I believe), but I've never heard it or the Alya. Not sure the Mira 2 uses Rockport's latest thinking in technology, components, and design though. Probably still a great-sounding speaker though (I've only heard the Altairs).

Heard the C1.1s and they sounded very good as well, although despite being in a relatively large room were still a little boomy with some material. Probably a setup and/or room issue, but something to consider since your room is small. Obviously these are not floorstanders if that's what you're looking for.

Didn't have Magicos at the show and I've only heard the Q7s, but I'd think the S1 would be well worth an audition as I think they're a sealed-box design that might work well in smaller rooms. The Q1 is a monitor so not really what you're looking for right?

Obviously take all the show-related thoughts with the usual caveats -- just throwing them out there as something to think about. Best of luck.

I heard the Carmels in two different rooms at the Newport Beach Show and loved their natural sound, but only heard the larger Magicos (Q3 and S5) and neither of the others on your list. I really liked two other two-ways at the show, and they were quite inexpensive. One was the Evolution Acoustics MMMicroOne (I bought a pair) and one of the FritzSpeakers. Sorry to have not directly answered your question directly but IMO you don't have to spend big bucks if you are looking for a good 2-way speaker. I am a big fan of 2-ways and now even full-range drivers since I am in a small room.

First read all the professional reviews ,for Magico mini,Tad junior
YgAcoustics Carmel . rockport Mira-2 is a 3 way ,and is not as clear and open as the above speakers,you need to look at their new $30 k speaker to be in that league ,but that too Is a 3 way. Radho is a very good $20k speaker also.
Being in Audio for over 35 years spend a weekend or two just reading all available material ,then venture out to a show if possible ,and stores.

2 ways: Quested v2108, Genelec 8250, Event Opal.

3 ways: Quested v 3110, Adam S3X-V, Neumann KH 310

Any of these will blow away everything suggested in this thread.

Even though they are difficult to find at shows and are not a well known brand try to check out the Intuitive Designs Gammas. I finally have the right amp for them and they certainly perform at the level you are looking for. They retail around $12k.