Preference for speakers that are half the price. Has this ever happened to you?

I prefer smaller scale classical music to large scale.  For smaller ensembles, large speakers are not true to life.  Bloated images, a mouth of a singer 6 feet tall instead of inches of focus.  Listen to a single live unamplified singer.  HE/she is a point source in real life even with a body acting as a resonator.  

Do an experiment with friends.  You don't have to be good singers.  Listen to a single singer.  Then spread several singers out singing in unison.  Even if everyone is singing together, sonically it is a mess of mud compared to a single voice which is clear.  The group of singers is like a tall speaker with many of the same size drivers.  Sonic mud.

Smaller speakers are cheaper and actually better for lots of music.

In general, the more you know, the less you have to spend. Its perfectly normal to prefer a component that costs less. The sound of your system depends more on knowing what your preferences are as a listener, and how to properly match your components. For example, person A say, "Here's a list of my components. Give me some suggestions that will improve sound quality.". Person B, "Here's a list of my components. "Currently, I'm not happy with the highs in my system. They are too bright and aggressive for my taste. Give me some options.". 99% of the time, person B has a much better chance of being happy because they have a goal, and they can clearly articulate the problem. 

Also, with speakers, price isn't always reflected in performance. Companies like B&W and Wilson put a lot into the appearance of their speakers. Companies like Vandersteen and Magnepan focus more performance than looks. There's nothing wrong with wanting a speaker that looks good. Just be aware that you may have to spend more.  

Thank you all for your comments, they are very helpful !

@052rc I understand, but I may not yet be experienced enough to put my feelings into words. The Il Cremonese gave me more emotion, but I can't quite explain why!

@audiokinesis, @robonco thank you for your explanations and experiences, which make me want to go back for a second listen even more. Better to be sure!

@dynacohum, yes, I loved the Il Cremonese, I thought they were fabulous!

Half the price? Guys have a preference for speakers that are 1/10th the price, 1/20th the price and so on, when tested properly.

As a starting point, the test subject's inherent snobbery will never let him admit such preferences when he hears certain brand names (He will swear all day that you get what you paid for and so on).

To remove such inherent biases, the examiner will need to put a blindfold on the test subject, hold his hand, walk him into a room and get him seated in front of 2 pairs of speakers (1 pair that cost 20 times more than the other).

I had a similar experience. After years of enjoying the Vanersteen 1ci, I thought moving up to the Treo CT would provide greater enjoyment. But for me, it just was not the case. To my ears, the 1's just have more meat on the bone, greater slam, more bass output, and are just more fun to listen to. Perhaps the Treo's are just too "refined" for my tastes. Sold the Treos and still have the 1's. YMMV