Looking for advice on these speakers

Compromise at some level is expected when making decisions concerning
audio components. It's true that opting for low power amplifiers does rule
out the use of some speakers due to insufficient drive ability.
On the flip side there are those who believe some of the best sound they've
heard has been via good quality lower power amplifiers( SET or PP, tube or
transistor). The selection of the lower efficiency (hard to drive) speaker
would eliminate the opportunity to take advantage of these types of
amplifiers. There isn't an universal "fit all" amplifier available
the will suit every circumstance favorably. Even an ultra powerful amp that
could drive virtually any speaker load known to mankind doesn't imply that
it'd
necessarily sound "good" with every speaker. Capability to drive
and
also providing desired sound quality are two different things. This why
we're all lucky to have such a wide range of choices in what is actually a
small niche endeavor (high end audio). Most of us eventually find what
sounds best to our individual ears playing the music we love.
Charles,

Personally, I find the number of high quality speakers available for audition overwhelming. Limiting the options to SET friendly speakers narrows the options and makes the selection process more manageable.

Gsm ... in a somewhat paradoxical way, your post makes a lot of sense. If I had only 2 dozen speakers to seriously consider, it would make the task of selecting a speaker, as you say, "manageable." Fair point.

Even still, many such highly sensitive speakers are not carried by B&M stores. That means, as Al suggested in the case of Daedalus speakers, going with reputation, buying with the expectation that if not satisifed, then being able to return the speaker, incurrng reasonable out-of-pocket costs re shipping and restocking fees.

I am fortunate that in the DC and NYC areas there are B&M stores that carry a number of high sensitive speakers. However, as I learned the hard way, there is no substitute for a "longish-term" audition of speakers in my own home - with all the know vagaries in room acoustics, listening position, speaker position, etc. As a result, I consider the costs and time involved in dealing with companies such as Zu and Daedalus - who allow 1-2 month in home auditions - to be a bargain.

Agreed again. That might be my next move, if and when I try it. At this point, I am inclined to tweak my rig (e.g., cables, dedicated AC power) and room, and buy hi-rez CDs and LPs. Too much voodoo out there.