HI\i Tubegroover,
My music tastes are very similar to yours. The horn system had an average efficiency of 108dB per watt. Flea amps could play at deafening volume. The decision to change from the horns is a full commitment to new or different gear.
I plan to visit the Quicksilver room at RMAF. Quicksilver mono 120 or the V4 along with the Primaluna Dialouge HP interest me. I do have a Bryston ST 14B 500 watt amp which might be a fit.
The ATC is a speaker I had not know of prior to Soix call out and I want to hear them as well.
Years ago Carly Simon sang of anticipation I could not agree wit her or yourself of the value added by the expectant pursuit of a new system.