Thanks for the warm welcomes!
I don't think the garage is an optimal listening space, it just happens to be my listening space. As many of you, I'm sure, do, I listen mostly while doing other things. Working, building, crafting, fixing, grandkids, like the sunshine, etc. So my garage is my choices of spaces. It is a garage at times, a workshop, an office weekdays (computer guy working from home), etc. it's a garage in pretty much every sense. But I do take care of my equipment. Keep it protected and clean. There's foam in the garage doors, wood racks on the wall, particle board with insulation covers 3 walls, tools and pegboard, mats to stand on, etc. It's not just an empty box. But I know it could be improved on.
One of the reasons I am looking at Salk speakers is dynamics. I recently bought a pair of Omega Super Alnico Monitors. Wonderful top end, very revealing and fast. Listening to Art Blakey drum is amazing. But I miss the mid bass and the fullness that I feel the vocals should have.
You are correct JLM, the veneer is not high on my priorities. Although nice looking speakers are ..., well, nice! But fast, revealing with a good midbass presence. To get that I probably have to spend. I have not heard much and not Salk. I live in a high-end audio deprived area. I have looked at Fritz, Devore 3xl (small mid driver though), Tannoy Eaton (a little large?), Harbeth (do I have to pay a middleman? And I have British speakers that I plan on keeping). My wife thinks I'm crazy, as she loves B&W. At one time I had planned on upgrading to the 805d3, but now with the Pass Xa25 (which I plan on being buried with
), I need more efficient speakers. Hence my quest.
But please, keep the info coming! Many advisors is good. Oh, $6000 is tops.