New Speakers under consideration - but I’m afraid

“Afraid” was too strong a word. Apprehensive is better. And exciting.

Check the Dali Epikore line. New model is priced at $40K per pair. I have spent time with the $60K Epikore 11 and it is one of the most effortlessly natural sounding speakers I have heard. I am very familiar with B&W 802 D4, Focal Sopra, Utopia Scala EVO, Wilson Sasha DAW…all have their strengths, but the Epikore 11 is the whole package. The price is largely due to its huge size…the cabinet is much bigger than the others I named. The new model is reduced to 2 8” woofers from 4 per speaker.

I’ve been able to compare Joseph Audio speakers to B&W over the years and found the JA speakers to be superior in every way.  They disappear better, throw off a more expanded and believable 3D soundstage, and they provide all the detail of the B&Ws but just do it in a more “natural” way is best I can describe it.  This is to say if you can demo JA speakers I think it would be very worthwhile.  For reference I compared the JA RM25si to the 803N back in the day and more recently the original Pulsar to the 805 D3.  Best of luck.  

I think you can definitely improve on your old B&Ws. But let's appreciate that they gave you decades worth of enjoyment! Best bet is to find a good semi-local dealer and see if you can listen to some options for yourself. Then see if you can try the ones you like best in your own home for a while. 

Volti Rival, these are speakers done right 18k or less, not sure

DeVore O96, Fleetwood, made in new york $15000

Joseph Audio, Perlisen 

Klipsch

Sonus Faber, these are very good with Mac

I have looked around in Chicago and several of these as well as other good brands. I have not heard all the above so some are opinions of others.