B&W 683S2 for entery level speakers

Yes, I understand the B&W are 3-way speakers. I was actually looking at Klipsch reference premier too (2-way) , but they are rear-ported and need a subwoofer too.

Thanks everyone, I should mention that the speakers will be placed very close to the wall. This rules out the speakers with port in the back. Also the 683S2 currently go for about $1600 a pair at best buy, some of the alternatives mentioned are more expensive it seems.

it's a rather large room, they won't be close to the side wall but within a ft of the wall behind them

I listened to a few more speakers, one other option that caught my ear! was the Martin Logan motion 40, they are a bit more expensive than the B&W's but the cabinet build felt better and they also sounded a bit more clear when playing busy rock tracks with vocals. 

does anyone have these ? 

true, but they sounded good so I may be able to place them about a ft. from the wall and add a sub 

After listening to alternatives including ML and Sonus Faber I went with the B&W's. they sounded the best in this range IMO. thanks everyone