I have no idea why nobody has mentioned Goldenear's Triton line. Maybe I'll be accused of being a neo-audiophile just for bringing it up. Their reference speaker is $10,000. So they're at the bottom of your price list, but damn I think they are wonderful speakers. I have the Triton 2+ which retails for $4,000 a pair. Other equipment: TNT VPI 3, Audio Research PH-7, Audio Research Reference 2 Mk. 2 Preamp, SMC Audio Amp (upgraded McCormack) and McCormack SACD player. The speakers are the new boys in the neighborhood and I love them. You should read the reviews. All amazing. The only ding was their looks, but they've changed that in their newer reference speakers. My 2+ speakers have the black sock cover. Looks-wise it doesn't bother me, and more importantly my wife thought they were a big improvement over my Apogee Slant 8's.