New Speaker Conundrum - Vandy's, Spendors, Salk, Ascend - Mainstream or ID


I am very lucky to be close to Audio Connection and John has outfitted my entire rig over the years. I am currently running Ares/RP-7 to M-180s - always liked Mark's designs and he/Nick are so approachable over at Rogue.

I used to run 2CE IIs for the longest time and loved them and I thought I would give ID a try and landed a pair of Double Impacts - which I love.

However, I have the upgrade itch and I am in two minds on whether I want to go back to Vandy's or look at Salk/Ascend.

I have narrowed down my list to Spendor D9s, Vandy Treo CTs, Salk Soundstage 8s and potentially the Sierra Towers. I am going over to Johnny's this weekend for another listening session with the Treos and potentially Quatros.

I have always looked (more likely lurked) on these forums over the years for advise - unfortunately never posted :(.
cptkaos
Thanks thecarpathian - I actually dropped Ascend a note to confirm upgrade options (including the RAAL).
I would recommend the RAAL upgrade. Do not have the towers myself, but I had the Sierra 2s with the lesser RAAL and it sounded really, really good. 
Traded a nice thanksgiving music exchange with Johnny R today of Ornette Coleman’s bass player listening to his Vandersteen powered bass fives, as a Treo CT and 7 owner - stretch to Quattro IF you can :-) but also know the Treo can be magical
as others have said be sure to enjoy the musical journey :-)
Jim Salk builds an outstanding speaker. But what are you looking for in a speaker, what is most important to you sonically? I've owned SS8's, and have some SS12's being built.  But Jim has other models also like the SS 9.5 etc...

Can't go wrong with Jim, but what are you looking for?