~$15K floorstanders: opinions sought


There a chance I'll be able to make a significant investment in my speakers within a few months, and jump from $4K/pr Focal 926 to something in the 10-15K range. I'm running krell gear and have no intention of changing electronics, they are perfectly suited to my ears - - but if new speakers expose weaknesses, then I'll tackle that later.

Here's the thing: aesthetics matter to me, a lot, and I'm not ashamed to admit it. I love my art and home and music is a huge part of my lifetime joy. These are some of the brands /models that I personally think are beautiful, and I'd love to hear from folks who could speak to a possible pairing with Krell. I like precision, speed, clarity, and firm bottom. 

Room is approx 18x20x9. New or used is ok.

Von Schweikert Endeavor SE
Vienna Acoustics Klimt The Music
Magico S3
JBL Synthesis (4700, 9900, etc.) 
Spatial (loved the demos I heard but not sure if OB would work in my space)

Appreciate any insight, despite the aesthetic emphasis. 
wassaicwill
What is loud ? Do you have an SPL meter ? ( so few here on audiogon seem to have this basic essential tool ), whats a favored loud demo track I can listen 2  And at what peak SPL?
even your big amp will benefit w powered bass and the mains high passed ... eleven band of analog EQ to fix the room...

Hello
I might end up being the bad guy here but I am a big fan of Martin Logan Masterpiece series of electrostats I have owned a pair of the ESL 11A's and am thrilled with them.
The KEF Reference 5 speakers are on sale in certain finishes.  Great speakers and very good looking.  
wassaicwill,
I am surprised no one mentioned that it is, IMO, foolish not to buy a used speaker. Especially at this time when large floorstanders are frequently going for 1/3 retail or less! Other than maybe living with a few small cosmetic flaws, there is no reason not to buy a good contemporary used speaker. And a well broken in speaker is an advantage. Speakers can take hundreds of hours to break in.
And you are in a perfect position to get a world class speaker at a bargain price.
Some would say go for a Wilson Sasha. There are many now for sale. I wonder why? My 1st choice is a Rockport Avior. The Rockports are the finest, most natural dynamic speaker I have heard. And with big Krells, you can rock the house!
Especially since you currently have Focal, there is 1 pair of the big Utopias from TRM Audio on Audiogon. Talk about big scale, easy drive and great sound! And very hard to find used. They are listed at about $10k. Then my next choice would be Vandersteen 5A Carbon. You don’t see these used very often. There is one pair on Audiogon. Overall, my pick would be the Rockports. I don’t think you can find anything but a rave reviews.
Dynaudio Contour 60 or the forthcoming next generation Contour 60i at $11,000 (I have a set on order).  With that next gen model on the way there are a number of Dynaudio dealers selling their floor models of the Contour 60 at a bargain price.  Smooth sounding speakers with a particular naturalness on vocals.  It's a soft dome design so not as piercing as some of the BE or AMT tweeters.  Of course, it's only my opinion those tweeters are piercing. Excellent dynamic range with solid impact on bass.  Pictures don't do justice to the gray oak, gloss finish that is just one of several finish options.  It's stunning in person.  Not a lot of Dynaudio speakers for sale on Audiogon or US Audiomart.  Many are sold new, so that says a lot about people wanting to keep them, and for good reason.  Best to you.  I hope that you end up with a wonderful sounding speaker that lasts a very long time for you.  If you have the opportunity to audition a set of Dynaudio Contour series speakers I believe you will find them to sound as I described and, I believe, fits what you had asked for.  Also, they work very well with, and even prefer, high powered SS amps.