the big one: how do you choose speakers? By what features, data?

i don't have a typical rich person's monster amplifier, so speakers i use must be fairly sensitive, above about 88 db [1w/1m] sensitivity. my thiel cs.5s barely made the cut as do my present magnapans.   they also [for the same aforementioned reason] must not dip below 4 ohms. stereophonic imaging is very important to me, so that is one more thing i check for when auditioning speakers systems. it has to get the midrange right at least, neutrality in the trebles is also important, the bass can be adjusted somewhat so that is less important so long as it has power handling and sensitivity down there. 

i would consider price and dealer response when needing any help.

@emrofsemanon thank you ! Midrange seems to be the common theme, and I very much agree with sensitivity

@needfreestuff You described the OGY. Really. The midrange is crystal because you have a world class single driver without a crossover to muck things up. The bass is so tight thanks to the transmission line. The cabinet is solid plywood. No MDF. There’s 0 port farting. It’s fast. Sensitivity is 91db. I don’t know how I would describe the highs. The speaker is so transparent.

I like to go with the most basic speaker in a line that has trickle down technology from a highly respected.....high priced.....premium sound speaker mfgr. I’ve found the " cheapest" Magico or MBL Speaker is a real bargain...These companies KNOW how to make extraordinary speakers. I just purchased the Borresen X3 @ 11K.....because they sound very Close to their 100K speakers. Good Luck to you. Rather than buy the most expensive speaker in a cheaper line...get the cheapest speaker in an expensive line...Plus the resale is much better.