Considering Towers in the $3000 range

Have you checked out Ohm Walsh Towers? Depending on the size of your room they will be right around your price range. I have a fairly large space and my Ohm Walsh 2000's have no problem filling the room and creating a very large and detailed soundstage. They are also designed to be placed near the front wall so it makes placement in difficult to treat rooms super easy. They are hand made in Brooklyn, Ny and they have a very generous in home trial period. 

Another nod for Ohm. I have the 3000’s in a large room. No issues and outstanding sound. Check them out.

My favorite sounding speaker in this price range is the Vandersteen Model 2Ce. I've had others and in fact have something else right now but I wish I had my 2Ce's back. At some point, I will.

Salk Sound

You can view buying used as in home addition. I bought a pair of Quads and compared them against my existing Focals before I moved the Quads on down the road.   Didn't have any trouble selling them.  You can try 2 or 3 pair and still save money over new.  But of course its tricky.  lot of factors to consider.