NOLA, Fritz, or used Totem Hawk - Want Drama

I owned the Hawks for many years and experienced some transporting and sublime moments listening to music through them. You are correct, however, that the Cairn probably won't cut it. They really only came alive for me when I was driving them with at least 100+ WPC of solid state power mated to a tubed pre. I used McCormack, Odyssey and Simaudio amps all to good effect.

go with special edition nola boxers..you can message me for more info

A third vote for Fritz. I own Carbon 7's and plan on upgrading to Illuminator 7's in the near future. You won't find a better value in the $2000 - $3500 range. The ScanSpeaker drivers that he uses in the Illuminator 7 are found in brand name speakers that cost upwards of $20,000. Also: no need for a subwoofer. I like impactful, noticeable bass, but the bass from the Carbon 7's is simply unbelievable. It defies their small footprint. I own two sealed Hsu Research subwoofers but I keep them off simply because the bass from the Carbon 7's is just right for my 11 x 15 room. I'd imagine it would be sufficient for bigger rooms, too, although I can't say from experience.

Here's a link where someone (username Koven) did a shootout between similarly priced models from Totem, Fritz, Joseph Audio, Usher, and Harbeth. Ultimately he chose the Carbon 7s. Fritz will let you do an in-home demo to see if you like his stuff. If you can't do a demo, try to swing by an audio show and hear his stuff. It seems like every show he goes to, his room is always considered one of the best. I've yet to go to one, but I plan on going this summer.
http://forums.audioreview.com/speakers/side-grading-b-w-n805-need-advice-32836.html

Note: I have no affiliation or obligation to help spread the word about Fritz's products. They're just that good! Also, it doesn't hurt that he's such a genuinely nice guy. I've had many hour long conversations with him about my audio setup.

From that list, the Fritz speakers are the ones to go with.

Haven't heard the others, but the Fritz Carbons were the first monitors I fell in love with.