Does this speaker exist or am I being ridiculous?

Thanks - these are all well thought out suggestions that I will research and try to listen to.

Anyone have thoughts on the Spendor S8e? Would need a sub to dig deep but otherwise it might fit the bill and I have rarely seen more great reviews for a speaker - everyone that hears it seems very impressed including many here on Agon. The manual says it behaves fairly well close to the wall too. Maybe?

From Lngbruno "Look into the Minis @ AV123"

I have visited their website several times but read so little mainstream stuff about them (there's not that much here on Agon either) that I have discounted them. The Strata Minis look fabulous and have impressive specs and have some good non-mainstream reviews. Has anyone had any firsthand experience with this company and their speakers?

Joey - just wondering if you feel they meet the wish list I started the thread with and how you would compare them to some of the great speakers you have mentioned above. I will read your review on the site - perhaps it answers my questions.

Many thanks....

Shadorne & Tbg - interesting yet opposite points of view. Shadorne - do you have any personal suggestions to listen to? Tbg - what if I had more to spend - where would you send me in terms of speakers to check out?

Thanks...

Thanks to all for your responses. What I am trying to do is take a decent step up from my Totem Hawks/sub combo given my large room and wide taste in music, while staying with a speaker that looks pretty much like furniture. I would like to buy something now and be happy for the next several years (as I once was with my Gallos that didn't meet the WAF). That being said and having read just about everything I can find in terms of reviews, I think I may expand my price range a bit and look at the following as a short list:

Spendor S8E
Salk HT3
Tyler Linbrook Sigs
Onix Strata Minis - I see 6 Moons has a plan to review them soon

And perhaps:
Dynaudio - a few models
VMPS - RM30 or RM2
PMC - OB1
I would like to add the Deadalus DA-1 but it seems out of my price range.

As is often said here - it will be near impossible to audition all but a few of these. I live in Austin and can find dealers here or in San Antonio for Spendor, Dynaudio, VMPS and PMC. I know Onix and Tyler offer return policies but with shipping and return charges that adds up to about a $600 audition if you don't keep them. Ouch.

I will post my findings if anyone is interested.

Thanks for the Gershman recommendation Beheme - it had not occurred to me but further research shows it should absolutely be on my list. The speaker is truly full range and really beautiful to look at. Talked with them today about placement fairly close to a rear wall - they say it should be fine but some users say otherwise.

If anyone has anything to add on Gershmans near rear walls it would be great to hear. Thanks.