Considering Towers in the $3000 range

Save yourself over a grand and at least think about the Polk Audio Reserve R700. They are currently on special for $825 each (down from $1100 each retail), free shipping, 30-day trial from Audio Advice, B&H, Crutchfield, and others.

Andrew Robinson's review made plain they are sonically very, very good, and neutral sounding. They go down to 38Hz so yeah, you'd want to budget for a good subwoofer to get that last octave.  

Other speakers might beat them on looks (they are vinyl wrapped to help meet that price point) but dang, Andrew compared them to $10K Wharfedale Elysians and said that no, the Polks weren't embarrassed at all. 

See his review on YouTube.  You could then take the extra grand or so and put it towards a better DAC, streamer, phono amp, or your liquor cabinet. 

@dayglow wrote: " Be careful regarding any online reviewer as the voice of truth. You need to do whatever it takes to research/listen and inspect any audio component you intend to purchase. "

Indeed, but other reviewers have said as much. In any event, hearing something for yourself is always key, and not buying blind on the Internet. That advice should go to the OP as well, and everyone really if at all possible. Sadly today, too many have to buy "blind" because retail audio stores have mostly gone away, not like the glory days of the 1970s. And certain direct to consumer brands have no place you can audition them (Zu, Spatial Audio, and Tekton).

Fortunately, I have an Audio Advice location relatively close-by and can audition the R700 up against others. The key is also, if you can, get a 30-day trial period and try them in your own home, in your room, and then decide.

I want to compare the R700 against the Forte IV, and some Monitor Audio. But I know if the reviewers are honest, I’d like the more neutral sounding R700 over the slightly forward Forte (which are not as forward as others in the Heritage line) and the midrange recessed Monitor Audio. I do like that light ash finish of the Monitor Audio though, but sound quality trumps looks in the long run, if you have a forgiving spouse.

@somebike how big is your room? We are all making recommendations based on you wanting floorstanders, but then, some audiophiles of late say you can get more bang for your buck (better imaging if that is important to you) by going with bookshelf speakers and 1 or 2 subwoofers strategically located.  Of course that depends on how big the room is and how dynamic and how loud any bookies would play for you.  Good luck! 

@somebike good that you have a real world experience then with some 87dB efficient speakers to know they will play loud "enough" for you.  I know specs are specs but often it seems subjectively that "tube watts" are weightier than "solid state watts".  As you have noted, there are lots of recommendations here. Those Dali Oberon 9 look impressive (downright pretty). Others who have them swear by the Tektons if you are willing to wait 6 months for delivery and never get any grilles until you are one step in the grave...(just kidding, sort of). The Tektons may be well worth the wait after some break-in. 

Oh, in your room, will the speakers be on the 12' wall or the 22' wall and how far away from them is your listening position? Hope you find something you will like and can live with for a long time. 

I just did a bit more research on your Cary Audio setup and most likely the Polk R700 might not be the best match. Most reviewers have recommended higher wattage amps for those. They just aren't very efficient. So in the end while you have an excellent front end, you might do better with some more efficient speakers, especially for your large room. Good luck in your search.

@somebike sounds good, pun not intended. My living room is about like yours and I have to put my speakers on the shorter wall. I added a rug to the hardwood floor and have canvas paintings on one wall and a window with curtains on the other. Acoustics are pretty good. The ceiling is old school popcorn which I think actually helps in reducing reflections. I have to do room treatment "stealth" due to WAF.

Be sure to give the nice MA 500 7G’s a good listen. Some have said the midrange is a little recessed, but then that may play into your tastes. Lumina V also look incredible in fit and finish.

Let us know what you end up going with and why.