If you only had $1000 or less, then I'd get the relatively new Triangle Borea BR04 bookshelf speakers. They have a better crossover than the BR03, and are a bit larger, and play down to 44Hz in room. I got a pair for a steal and love them for what they are. Reviewers say that no, they aren't "giant killers" but sound as good and have a build quality of speakers in the $1500 to $2000/pair range. Reviewers (and me) like that they aren't bright but aren't dull either, have great dynamics, and the tonality is very fine indeed.
But, yes, if you are willing to spend $5K then I'm sure you can do better and get something with all the detail and other attributes you may crave. Monitor Audio Gold might be the ticket. Have fun.
Have some fun with bookshelf monitors!!
This is ANOTHER what speaker should I buy. But here is the thing. I might have a speaker problem......
I currently own the following speakers: Dynaudio Evoke 50s (my main room) driven by Prima Luna, Watkins Gen 4 (secondary room) driven by Cary amp, Harbeth P3ESR (office) driven by retro Grant Fidelity tube amp, and Wharfedale Evo 4.2 (home theater) driven by an NAD AVR. If you ask my wife that's about seven too many speakers.
BUT
I have a new large room, lots of glass, 10' ceilings, and have to use an NAD 3050 amplifier. Speakers have to sit on a bookshelf, have a wood or white finish, and most importantly be interesting!
SO...
with a $5,000 top end (and goal to be half of that) tell me what you buy.