"Best" speakers new/used under $3,000?

OHM Walsh speakers can do it all with any kind of music and might end your search for good.

Can be had new or used for that price or significantly less even.

For larger rooms, you need larger models, otherwise smaller models used for $1000 or perhaps even less should do fine

Audiokinesis is one of the lines I have never heard that I would really like to.

I like Duke's perspective on what it takes to produce good sound and would love to hear his designs....

"Have you heard a speaker you loved over $3,000 that has the kind of sound you are looking for under $3,000. "

That's a very good point.

I find it is a better strategy to listen first for the best sound or sounds at any price to establish that as a reference first. Then look to find something in your price range that can come close. You'll be surprised how much satisfaction you can wean out of this approach with a little time and effort invested, especially if you room is not large and smaller designs like monitors, smaller floorstanders, etc. are all that is needed for top notch results.

After all you can't hit the target until you know for sure what the target is!