Looking for Speaker Recommendations

With the additional info you provided I’d highly recommend stretching a bit for the Joseph Audio Perspectives and a Hegel integrated — with the $$$ you save by not buying the Mac that should make the stretch a lot easier. I heard the Perspectives with Hegel at a show and the sound was fantastic and everything you’re looking for, and I’d recommend the Hegel over the Mac for the same reason. Plus the Perspectives are very attractive and would look great in your living room.

Another option I’d highly recommend are the new Usher ML-801 speakers that have the benefit of being closer to your stated budget than the JAs if that’s an issue. Haven’t heard them yet, but I’m familiar with the Usher house sound and am confident they too would be right up your alley (I still do think their Dancer Mini Two DMD is also an outstanding option as it’s gorgeous and uses their top diamond tweeter along with being considerably less expensive and well under your budget). Here’s a good review — always a good sign when the reviewer buys the review sample (he upgraded from the Dancer Mini 2 DMD BTW)…

https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/usher-audio-ml-801/

Hope this helps, and best of luck in your quest.

Thanks for the additional input.

Ok, I have to be honest, if not approached correctly, getting the right sound is going to be forever elusive. Given your interests and some comments on speakers are confusing.

Before you go any further I recommend stopping and slowing down. Do not buy an amp before the speakers. You want to choose speakers first then choose your electronics to support and get the right sound out of them.

I recommend you and your wife use this opportunity to go to a city with two or three high end stores for a weekend. Make reservations at the stores for a couple hour or more listening sessions. Explain in detail the sound you think you want. It is great to listen to systems more expensive than want to buy… because you want to be able to say… “that system, that is the kind of sound I want”. This will help you understand what you want and most likely identify your speaker brand. Then you need to choose for your room size etc.

After the speakers, then you want to choose your amp. You could easily overspend… or get the wrong character amp… and end up with the wrong sound.

By the way, I love the look of MacIntosh equipment. I have gone in repeatedly over the decades with the intent of buying a component. Within thirty seconds, I go “nope not for me”. Even a couple years ago my dealer said… “they changed their sound… it is more detailed , try it.” Thirty seconds… not a chance. For me.

On the other hand folks that love rock highly gravitate to MacIntosh / B&W… sometimes JBL. You see my confusion.

You're right to stay away from B&W and Focal.  I also think you can do better than Wilson.

As for auditioning, it depends on where you live, but brands you should listen to with deeper market penetration (more stores carry them) are Vandersteen and Sonus Faber.

Another way of going about this would be to consider the home trial/free return route.  Take a look at the offerings of Crutchfield, Music Direct and Audio Advisor.

I highly recommend the Volti Razz. I ordered a pair (to replace my Harbeth 30.2s and REL sub) after hearing them at the 2021 Capital Audio show. Loved my Harbeth’s but love the Volta’s more. Great soundstage, clean sound with wonderful bass. Paired with Rogue Stereo 100 power amp and Prima Luna EVO 300 preamp. I listen mostly to streamed music fro Bluesound Node running through a Chord Qutest DAC.  Razz may be my final pair of speakers. I think they play way above their weight (no pun intended because they are hefty). Good luck 

no mention of the so called BBC speakers? If B&W are too bright, Sterling or Harbeth or Rogers might be right