Narrowed speaker selection down to 5 choices

The reason why I suggested cables is that you indicated the Dali's were satisfying in the bigger room. That means they may have potential in the new room with a little work. Plus, there are no perfect speakers out there, and your new speaker may have the same issues. You mentioned alterations in speaker placement, but I would try without any toe-in and spaced as wide as you can get them if that has not been done already. Also, try inverting the phase of the speaker cables at the speaker end. This can be the cause of your problem, too.

I think Cardas is a pretty warm cable, perhaps at the expense of detail and bottom end extension. I do not know about Acoustic Zen. There is plenty of info on the cables I mentioned. There are cables out there that provide a full midrange without compromising other aspects. My initial impression is that Jade Audio fits that bill, but you would only know by trying.

Or perhaps it is time for a change. As for your choices, you will get opinions all over the map.

I am thinking the same as you are and looking at some of the same speakers. I don't even know where to begin. You can read reviews I guess and go to dealers to hear them but until you get them home only then will you know. I guess the only way is to start buying them used and if you don't like what you hear then sell it and go on to the next one.

Of the choices you mentioned I personally would start with the Revel and then go to the Thiel next. I think the Sophia 1 should be on your short list as well.

Any thought to used Sound Labs, or do you feel that your room is better suited for 'dynamics'?

Lrsky, Funny you should mention a panel electrostat in the equation. I had some Apogee Dueatta sigs. for a while. They were very nice. Still weren't neutral. But, man what a soundstage! I need dynamics now that I've heard it.

Todd

Philefreak, You would be cheating yourself if you are not strongly condidering PBN Audio. Although I have not heard the EPX I am a current owner of Peter's new SPI. They are by far the most refined, nuanced, dynamic speaker I have owned. Coming from Silverline Sonatina III's and a nice Sonus Faber Cremona Auditor there was no comparison. Peter uses some of the finest components avaiable and cabinet construction is top notch. Most of all Peter is is by far one of the nicest people I have dealt with. Very responsive to emails and any other request I have had. Intially I was looking for the now discontinued SP3's, They have since been replaced but Peter offered to build me a brand new pair if I wanted. Ended up with a demo pair of SPI's and have no doubt I will be a PBN customer for years to come. Just my experience! Hope this helps