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

the first time the looks are mentioned @willkimbrough !

My #1 priority, maybe superficially

My wife likes the Totem Rainmakers but misses the Dynaco A25s…because she has good eyes and ears!  
The Dynacos are now upstairs with the Scott 222c!

my version is much shorter: my wife hates them all!

If we had an upstairs, that's where she would stash me along with all the gear.

Ha! I hear ya…

I chose my latest speakers based on,

• the design considerations of the designer
• his past work and designs and how they were accepted
• his philosophy behind the build and components
• the look
• the specs
• the price
• the reviews
• the return policy

I've been burned a few times with speaker choices so I took all of the aforementioned criteria and did lots of online listening, scouring the internet for feedback. This festered in my brain for well over two months before I pulled the trigger and ordered them. 

I always kick myself for not being more impulsive as what I obsess on is usually what I buy and in this case that obsession paid off in musical spades. 

All the best,
Nonoise