Loudspeaker under 3000 new or used

WillyB,

Please let us know what you wound up getting, if you have gotten that far. If not, also keep an eye open for used buys on the following good matches:

Gershman Acoustics RX-20( amazing imaging and coherence)
Vienna Mozart(balanced, timbral accuracy)
Von Schweikert Models 4,4.5 or4 GenII(efficient, great bass)

Waveform Mach 17(or any Waveform speaker)(you and I should be so lucky!) out of business, but former Stereophile Class A speaker) Produces spherical waveform - room sized sweet spot and just scary good sound.

B & W Nautilus 803's - if you must. Boring but safe choice.
B & W 801 or 802's - older but better speakers for the $$$.

Good luck if you're still in the hunt.

Check out the Alon Acarian IV's ($ 1875 used) for a full range speaker that should like your BAT's. Also
there are two NHT 3.3's for $ 2K and under used which I still prefer(slightly) to the 2.9's even if they do not open up as readily at low volumes. As a Vandersteen owner, I certainly second the 3A recommendation! If you are feeling electrostatic, you can look at the used Quads(midrange legends, so-so bass) or used Soundlabs(good full range stats- not quite as subtle as some) well in your price range, if SAF is not an issue. What a fun problem! Lots of great stuff, especially used. If you had four power amps and some patience, I would even look at the Infinity IRS Gamma for sale for $ 1,500. Not pushing this last idea, mind you, just a thought. If you spot some Hales(Revelation 3) they are an overall strong performer, but are hard to get used,(they go fast) and too much money new.
For new speakers in your range, try the Newform Acoustics
ribbons- easy loads and truly magical. Forget finding them used( I have been looking.) Good luck!

Rocky is right - one of my in-laws has an old pair of 801 Matrix speakers with s.s. amplification(aragon 8008 I think)
and it sounds incredible. Admittedly, the system is tweaked all the way down to the power cord, but still shows what can be done. Incredibly uncongested and convincing on complex classical pieces, so they will coast on anything else.

willyb:
If you haven't bought anything yet, now looks REAL good.
A quick perusal of today's classifieds shows some gems out there, e.g.:
Newform Acoustics R645 $ 2000(great ribbon imaging, easy load and placement.(Best with Hovland cap tweak & leveling)
At this price, a fast sub could be added for true bliss.
Audio Physics Virgos $ 2450
ProAc Response 2.5's mid-high $ 2's.
Wilson Benesch Actor's $ 2900
Michael Green's $ 1,500(!)
Green Mountain Continuum $ 2,---) room adjustable phase response, a unique speaker
Vienna Acoustics Beethovens - In the $ 2's.

Have fun!