Sonus Faber Maxima Amator without the fancy

I misread that! Short wall in a long room is good IMO. Have you heard anything other than the Sonus? They are just one flavor I would look around. To my ear Usher sounds superior to Sonus for every price range if you like that kind of sound. Dynaudio similarish also to my ears. 
 

I would go bigger. 3 way and sit back 15ft or so. 

Thanks, I did try a few others in the store I went to and kept going back to these.  I’m going to try some other spots in town for sure.  Room is 11x22 and the speakers are on the long wall, I’d be sitting like 8 ft away or so 

If you like the sound of Sonus Faber (I do, I am on my third pair) then I recommend looking at different lines… for instance the Olympica. Sonus Faber are known for their natural and musical sound… also their beautiful craftsmanship. If you go for a different brand you are going to get a very different sound quality.

Just to mention it. Speaker placement and adjustment after they are broken in (> 100 or more hours) is a very large determinate of their sound. Most of us have spent many hours getting them positioned, adjusted (toe-in, distance apart, from corners, from back wall) to get them to sound their best. You can see my systems under my UserID. 

Try to listen to the Rosso Fiorentino Arno 40 another Italian floorstander. Also likely that the Franco Serblin line would appeal to you as he was the SF founder.

I recommend auditioning a used set of Rockport Atria ii speakers. They are amazing and would perform beautifully in your space. Good luck!