SLightly below your price range are the Avalon Eidolon Diamonds. I think they outperform all but the Egglestonworks.
help me decide speakers for two channel audio
Currently deciding between B&W 802 Nautilus, Wilson Audio Sophia 2. Von Schweikert VR5. Driving them with EAD sig preamp and lexicon two channel amp, using musical fidelity CD player. Buying used so auditioning not possible. Can consider any other brands in the same range.