New Speakers

[Womaz]

I am considering some new speakers. I could possibly do this now with a budget of say 4k to 6k.
For those of you who have helped me before you will know that it is difficult for me to auditions gear up here as limited dealers and availability.
I try and start with a long list and then sift it down to a more manageable shortlist before I decide.
I am also not so sure what good a shop demo is after hearing the difference a large soft rug and bass traps have made to my room. Convinced now a home demo is an absolute must. The sound in the shop will more than likely be very different so now not sure if this would serve any purpose at all. My room is 14ft by 23ft and I sit about 11ft from the speakers

I think my speakers are the weak link now. I do like their sound, they are lively with a lot of punch and are pretyy much in your face. I think I like all of this so ideally I would like to keep all of this, with perhaps a smoother treble. A softer sound at the top end if that makes sense.

My speakers are in my living room and I have no options on placement. They are about a foot away from the main solid brick wall and if the speaker is bigger would be even closer. The PMC is front ported. Forgive my ignorance but would i be limited to a front ported speaker design?
The PMC26s would therefore be a logical step, but I fear they may have the bright treble as per the 23. I also really dislike the plinths on the 20 models.

Does this fact that my speakers really limit my options?

Other models I am considering are the Scansonic MB6, Paradigm 95F and Sonus Faber......probably the Olympica II.

I would love to hear the SF Olympica II as they look amazing, but they may be too much for my room as they are very large compared to my 23s

I have read very good reveiws of the Scansonic MB6 but according to their website they need to be 3ft off the wall. This would make them a non starter.

Two way, two and a half way or three way??? What is the difference sound quality wise?? This may be basic but I would love an explanation.

SAM. How important is this? Should I only consider SAM ready speakers?

I like most types of music . Classical is the only music I dont really listen to. Although i am cracking on a bit I still love Dance music, and I like rock, even real heavy stuff still. More and more though its acoustics and vocals that I seem to listen to most, maybe its an age thing

A lot of questions here, but I am a thorough bugger and a researcher This time last year I started this for a new pair of speakers on another forum and ended up going for the Devialet 200.........some hiccups but best hifi decision I ever made.

Any help or suggestions as always much appreciated