To prof, you mentioned Thiel 3.7. Yes, maybe realistic and often uncannily open sounding, but the models I have auditioned sounded bright. I once auditioned a pair of Thiel 1.6. I was amazed at the clarity and openness of the top end, but after about 20 minutes I had a headache from highs that were too bright. Obviously, this was a lower model to the 3.7's, but it steered me away from the brand. They are beautifully made speakers with apparent quality drivers, however, they also need above an average size room so they properly integrate the audio spectrum.
To regafan, if you have no reservations of buying older models, you might want to check out the B&W Matrix 3MkII. I owned a pair from 1988-1995 and they offered amazing sound quality..especially tight bass and lighting fast transients My one caveat is to match them up with either Conrad Johnson, ARC, or some combo of tube preamp or power amp because even the earlier models could sound edgy on certain CD's with SS electronics combos Good Luck, S.J.