Here's a short update. Yesterday I visited a local dealer that carries a few of the speakers that I wanted to listen that are on my list (and some that weren't), and updated a few things. Please note I am not great with flowery expressions, or technical descriptions:
(1) Got a nice commission check yesterday I wasn't expecting, so raised my maximum price to $5,000 a pair
(2) Confirmed that I do not like Focal speakers, just don't do it for me emotionally when listening; always felt like I was listening to a pair of speakers (if that makes sense)
(3) Eliminated the Dynaudio Evoke 20, if I buy Dynaudio it will be the Special 40 or Contour 20 (if I can find them on a sale). All I can say is "damn Gina", these speakers are amazing. Big sound stage, can move around and still have some semblance of "seated postition" audio. Bass was very fast/punchy if not deep, mids are incredible, and tweeter was just a touch bright but very detailed.
(4) Triangle Comete 40th anniversary stays on the list. I didn't get too long to audition these, as my time ran out.....was only able to get 4 or 5 tracks from Supertramp Crime of the Century, but wow wow
(5) Audio Physic Step Plus need some listening.....just hearing their demo tracks, great sound stage, almost couldn't pinpoint the speakers with my eyes shut; but didn't have true listening time
(6) Dali Rubicon and Epicon. Epicon is a phenominal speaker, but above the new price range.....Rubicon was outclassed by the Dyanaudio and Tringle speakers for same of less money
More listening ahead as I'm going to another dealer tomorrow, and met a guy who has the Buchardt S400 MkIIs and Sierra 2EX in his setups and he invited me for a listen