Those Avalons look like they're 6-8ft out into the room, though thats a guess on my part. I've heard no better soundstage or pristine imaging than from Audio Physic. To show their virtues they prefer to be out into the room somewhat in a near-field setup. New Virgos are probably a touch south of $10k. Otherwise, consider speakers with a narrow baffle.
Must Hear Speakers in $10K range
Looking for ideas, but imaging and soundstaging is important to me as well as good low end response.