Noob question about streaming . . .

To circle back on this, I’ve been listening to a lot of music on Tidal, in part just to listen, and in part to pick out four or five songs to use to audition speakers. While I’ve been really impressed with the overall quality of listening via Tidal (even on the Bose 901s), its probably time to get some better speakers for listening to music.

My budget is probably on the low side at this time -- $2500 to $5000, tops. I’m considering: Martin Logan Motion 60XTi or XT F100, Bowers & Wilkins 704 S3, Wharfedale EVO4.4, Totem Bison Twin Tower, Paradigm Founder 80F or Sonus faber Lumina III (maybe the V? but price is a stretch). Any thoughts on these, or others I should consider? I’ll be streaming through the Marantz AV7706 and a Parasound A51, bi-amping as long as the speakers support it. My listening area is 15x20, high ceiling, but no particular issues that would need special attention.

I’ve not heard any of these, and want to audition as many as I can before making a choice.

What improvements are you looking for, and what sound characteristics are most important to you?  Sharing this info will get you much better recommendations here, and glad you’re upgrading your speakers — you’re in for a real treat!

I’m looking for something that’s clear and crisp across the sound spectrum. I appreciate being able to pick out the individual drum beats, cymbal crashes and guitar strings being played. I have a sub I’m happy with, and I’m not looking to piss off the neighbors with something really heavy and bass forward.  Hopefully that helps. 

Yes, that helps a lot.  I’d highly recommend looking at the Usher Mini Two DMDs for several reasons.  First and foremost, they deliver the sound characteristics you’re looking for and look beautiful doing it.  Their build quality and components are very high for the price — they make their own drivers, and the Mini Twos use the same diamond tweeter as their flagship $40k speakers (try and find another speaker with a diamond tweeter anywhere near this price — check B&W804 D4 for comparison).  Their cabinets are not only beautiful with real wood veneer but they’re also very inert and way roughly double of the other speakers on your list, and their bass capabilities also far eclipse the others as well.  Frankly, I put these at a higher level than the others you mentioned, and although at $5290 they’re at the top of your price range you’re also getting a lot more.  And this seller offers a 10% discount putting it within your budget, free shipping, and a 30-day return policy (minus return shipping), which is a nice option to have.  For what you’re looking for and the value/quality on offer I’d be all over these, but if they’re a little too much there are the Mini Ones that offer the same build/sonic qualities but with less bass output and are $1200 cheaper.  Just another option to explore, and best of luck. 

https://soundapproach.com/usher-dancer-mini-two-tower-speaker-pair.html

I wasn’t familiar with Usher, but the reviews are very positive and have certainly piqued my interest.  In fact, unless someone else here tells me otherwise, I think I’m going to order a pair.