Speaker suggestions at around $30k

Of the ones I've heard, Focal Utopia line speakers match your criteria best.

For a similar sound for perhaps less cost, I would take a look at some of the larger Triangle speakers as well.

Both companies are French and sound similar in these regards to me.

In that price range, I guess I would also have to throw out the mbl option as well, at least if you were interested in perhaps trying something completely different that might meet your criteria.

Normally I';d suggesdt OHm Walsh as a less expensive alternative to mbl, but those are not inherently bright by any stretch, though with the right amp and configuration feeding them, it might turn out to be a non issue. Also the largest OHMs, the 5000s, have onboard tone adjustments that are quite useful for matching speakers to room. Those even new would likely come in at ~ 1/5th your target cost and might be worth an in-home demo first if saving $24000 or so is something you might be interested in.

"what you really need is a fantastic preamp like a direct heated triode that is transformer coupled first"

Examples?

Thanks.

"On the preamp, this guy can build the best http://www.jeffreywjackson.com/"

Very nice looking stuff.

He should be able to build "the best" since no prices are listed.

"If you buy used, you get a screaming deal. The original owner takes the depreciation bath"

OF course if no warranty, you run the risk of paying a service bill later if it turns out there is a problem. Or taking a bath if no good service is available.

Just pointing out the potential cons, especially with expensive, esoteric gear. They're always lurking out there somewhere ready to bite...

I often wonder, in general, when one buys an expensive esoteric audio product, does one typically get comprehensive and extended service included with the purchase? Or do the service bills reflect the cost of the product bought bringing up the TCO?

One might stretch to buy an expensive piece perhaps but find TCO down the road to be a bank buster?

I like the Focals I've heard and can see them fitting well in your scenario if you really want to drop that kind of money on speakers. They deliver a very full bodied and transparent view into the music when I have heard them, with the right amps.

I find the Audiokinesis Swarm sub system a pretty intriguing product particularly at its price point:

Swarm

I wonder with an approach like this at that price point, is there rally any need for $30000 full range speakers?

I really like the AK approach to things. Very practical it seems to me. I need to hear some someday.