Thanks everyone! So here’s the final list in approximate ranked order from most to least likely, though I haven’t entirely decided yet. I need to spend some time browsing the used ads on a regular basis to familiarize myself with what is out there especially the brands with which I am not familiar. Certainly the less risky approach is to go with a brand that is well known and respected, and given my general approach to things, this is likely the path I will take, at least until I learn a lot more about high-end audio. But I also respect what the smaller companies are trying to do and recognize there is potentially great value being offered. I know it’s not easy competing with the big brands with huge marketing budgets. I appreciate all the advice and recs, and the lively debate that has opened my eyes a bit to the world of high-end audio. Without further ado, here’s my final rank list:
1) Klipsch 600M (new) - high efficiency so good match for my 50wpc amp, good for detail, good reputation
2) Monitor Bronze (new) or Monitor Silver (used) - good reputation, detail, appreciate the design
3) Original KEF LS50 (used) - excellent reputation, detail, risk of purchasing used speaker that is several years old
4) Wharfedale Diamond - excellent reputation for value, warm sound will balance the SMSL SU-9 DAC, but will likely be looking at Wharfedale for floorstanders in the future and want to have a contrasting pair of bookshelf speakers for more technical listening
5) Wharfedale EVO 4 - could be the dark horse here, need to look into this some more, curious about the AMT tweeter