Loudspeaker under 3000 new or used

Certainly you'll not do any better than Sonus Faber Electa Amators in the mid to high $2k range used!(original versions,not version 2 current). These are bookshelf monitors. Although you wouldn't know it by the sound! Top to bottom, they are simply world class! They need a strong amp to drive properly(solid state only need apply) but will play the best 35hz-20khz you'll likely ever hear in this life time!!!...Class A stereophile rated

If you listen to jazz, vocals, and classical, the Silverline Sonatinas and Sonatas will sound truly wonderful. The old-style Sonatas can be found used for $2500+, and the old Sonatinas for $1700 or so. The midrange and highs are oh so sweet with the soft-dome midrange driver and tweeter.

Also, I would consider Talon Khites (I saw them used for $2600 a few weeks ago). Glorious midrange, delicate top end and very fast and dynamic bass. They can play very loud without a touch of strain.

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!

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.