Consider the Salk SongTowers, which I am very happy with - under $2k in a beautiful veneer, shipped.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=919069
http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/floorstanding/salk-songtower-qwt
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?board=82.0
Many owners are happy to audition:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=20721.0
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=919069
http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/floorstanding/salk-songtower-qwt
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?board=82.0
Many owners are happy to audition:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=20721.0