New Speakers under consideration - but I’m afraid

I have a plan. I'll go listen to some speakers. Make a decision and assuming I like something I'll get them.

I have a buyer for my 801s- I won't hand them over until I get the new ones installed and prefer them after a side by side comparison. If they sound as good or better, I keep them.

Worst case I sell the new ones (I'll try to find them used to avoid the max depreciation hit).

@ritter06 - excellent plan.  Always best to try a component in one's own system if one can afford to do so.  I'm assuming you already have proper sonic room treatments?

Yes GIK on the walls, ceiling and bass traps in the corners. Even my 20 something kids wonder about it, but not after I play something they really know and like. MGMT’s Little Dark Age is a fabulous recording (CD).

Good luck with your demos. Hopefully, there are some good options that you can audition in a proper setup.

When I got into this crazy hobby, there was a dealer with lots of options in every budget category. I didn't have a lot of money at the time, but he still spent time with me and discounted things to help me out. I miss that guy. 

My advice is to do if you're gonna do it. How bad do you want the best sonics? Go large on the reserve funds to get other equipment after the speakers.