I understand your problem perfectly, because I embarked on a similar journey myself. Click on "my system" to see what I ended up with. My setup is not without its problems but I am working on a solution to it.
The problem with hi-fi is that you can go the "accurate" route, which usually means big SS amps and ineffecient speakers, or you can go the "high efficiency" route. The former gives you accurate but sterile sound, the latter has benefits of simpler electronics, extremely fast speakers, purer sound, but usually involves compromises such as cost, size, coloration, and lack of bass. This is a harder route to take, and you will have to think hard and match carefully if you are going to succeed.
There are a few types of designs you might like to consider. Front loaded horns (e.g. Avantgarde), back loaded horns (Lowther, Rethm, Tannoy), high efficiency conventional speakers (WLM, Zu), and compression drivers are the main technologies involved.
By far the most similar to speakers you are used to would be speakers by WLM and Zu. I have heard both - not a fan of the Zu, but I do like the WLM's very much. As a bonus, they are very reasonably priced.
The Tannoys would be a good pick if you could get over the styling. They are by no means uncolored - in fact they are very heavily colored. But it's a very appealing kind of sound.
