the big one: how do you choose speakers? By what features, data?

@grislybutter  I wish I could help you more. I watched a bunch of reviews, but without the personal experience to back it up I can't stand by my words. I re-read the entire discussion and something stands out to me: you want some punch. So you want full-range speakers. Something like a KEF R3 (non-meta) will seem like an obvious choice at first, but the bass is a bit shy (bookshelf speaker by design). 

My advice: Go to Audiogon classfields. Tick fullrange speaker criteria. Sort by price. There are several standouts under $2.5k: JBL L200, Vienna Acoustics Mozart Grand Symphony, Canton Chrono SL, Neat Acoustics Xplorer... But I have no experience with those, just brand recognition. 

@kokakolia

I think I prefer three things in this order: warmth, upper midrange and details.

I think I have those from my current speakers - Evoke 20s so I would like add more presence, speed and disappearing speakers/imaging.

I’d like to stick with bookshelf, but you may be right. I have huge respect for Vienna Acoustics.

I will send you my list of 70 speaker brands, it helps me put things in context.

@grislybutter I’m afraid that a list of 70 speakers wouldn’t do much for me… I’m not in the market. I just want to hear what other people have…

And I wish you could hear my setup. I mean I have speed, detail and imaging in spades with my OGY. It’s just not the most dynamic. Maybe you could move up the chain and have it all with floorstanders… You gotta try some speakers. 

@kokakolia right, I won't bother you with it, I just wanted to show how I narrow it down.

Clarity and tight bass. Would also be nice,

If it had center synergy with my existing amp.