Speaker choice? need advice.

Scotthobby is right on. Thiel's need at LEAST 1' from the back wall, 3' from corners, 8' apart and 8' from the listener. "Try something else.".

If the back of the speaker must be close to the wall , look at speakers that do NOT have a rear port .

You don't give dimensions for your room but if you can only allow 5 feet between the speakers, headphones might be a better idea. I don't see a way to get a "big, clear wall of music" on a small wall. Much has been written about the AKG 1000 headphones and I know there are other brands that will perform at a level that $1500 speakers cannot approach.

Energy Veritas 2.3i should be perfect. Takes up about the same floor space as a mini monitor on stands, is front ported so you can place it as close to the back wall as you like, is a good match for your amp and is a great rock speaker because of bass performance and oustanding dynamics.

I had a pair in my system for the past year and they are one of my favorite speakers of all time. I recently switched to the Usher CP-6381's and like the Usher line very much as well. However, with your requirements the Veritas are right on the mark, size, sound and price.

Audition a pair if you can.

Totem Sttaf would be at the top of my list. They throw a wide soundstage and disappear without finicky placement. You can find them for roughly $1000 used ($1500 new). They're very impressive, but even more so considering their minature size. They have an unique shape - kind of a mini tower. You might also consider Totem Hawk and Green Mountain Callisto, but the GMs are hard to find on the used market. Of course, go listen before buying anything. I realize this isn't easy to do when buying used, but it's in your best interest to audition. Try to find someone locally.

You should definitely read the threads below. There are some excellent suggestions. The Sttaf are mentioned throughout.

- Best sounding floor speaker for under $1500???

- Which is Best loudspeaker in the $1000-1200 range?

- best speaker in a small room in the $2000.00 range

- Speaker Recommendation Needed