Thank you so much for all the replies everyone!! If I don't reply to you specifically, please know that I have read and taken note of your advice. Thank you :) With all the replies I just can't reply to everyone individually. I really appreciate all the kind support and help from the community!!
@auxinput HAHA!! Thank you so much and I had a chuckle at you going all Columbo, "Just one more thing." I completely agree that a grain of salt is always needed. Please know that whatever advice I get, regardless of the source, I will do my own research and listening. At the end of the day good sound, to a degree, is personal and everyone has their own priorities and preferences.
I've heard the same about Wilson stuff and I am concerned about it (fatigue). I believe the newer stuff (with silk domes) are less so, but it is a big concern for me. I also appreciate the advice on front ported speakers and Revel. I can't seem to find a Revel dealer in Toronto, but I know there used be several... I wonder what happened with that. I will reach out to the distributor about this and see what my options are.
I also completely understand (and can relate) to your comments about horns. I am familiar and it isn't my preferred sound. Based on reading alone, the SF's are likely going to be closer to what I like provided they have at least some grunt (AC/DC is my guilty pleasure).
@grinnell I've very curios about the Reference 3A de Capos. Their head office/factory isn't too far from me so perhaps I can arrange a visit. Thank you.
@spenav Yes - I have the book coming today from Amazon :) I noticed the first sticky on the speaker forum that talks about it. Honestly, reading though that, I have half a mind to keep my Active 40's (which are at Paradigm getting fixed) and working with some room treatments and EQ. That may be all I need and be the best use of money. Though, I keep the same boring look (regulars black boxes) of my speakers.
@havocman I understand where you are coming from (in my case it's a Chord DAVE) and I absolutely agree with the garbage in -> garbage out idea, but I have to be concerned with how the speakers and room work together. The DAC, after all, doesn't care about my room.
@eugene81 This is a very real consideration, especially based on the other comment about the Duette. The dealer has a pair so I can listen to them as well and they may be a really good option.
@rbstehno What I said was, "my room is the biggest small room there is". It is a big room in size - 16 feet wide, 28 feet deep with 12 foot ceilings. But it's small because I have sit close to the speakers and really only have 10 feet from my ears to the back wall. It's a odd space. My cousin has Totems (I can't recall the models) and, for me, they didn't sing. But it could be his room, source, or just that model. They are easy enough to audition so I will likely do so. Thank you. The Ushers certainly look nice (much like SF). They don't have a dealer/distributor in Canada however. Is there something about them (aside being front ported) that makes a good choice for my space?
@fthompson251 Thank you!! There is a dealer about 20 minutes away from me. I will absolutely audition them.