Speakers for leading edge, transients, speed and big sound

I have the Rockport Cygnus, but I also have acute FOMO. I read about all the new speakers and I get worked up. Then I listen to my system and it sounds phenomenal when fed via my curated signal path. The Rockport's are not a flashy speaker except that their speaker cabinet design is copied by many. They don't fatigue your brain/ears. At less than 40K used and at 300 pounds they are a tremendous value in my opinion. The real point I want to make is that the Cygnus continues to resolve at greater and greater levels as I improve the signal I feed it. I have not hit it's resolution limit yet, so to me it still has more potential. Last month I added custom made Townshend Podiums and removed the solid footers. They tightened the image and focused the instruments, plus they make the Rockport's look like a modern speaker design. I believe many of these points are valid as you move up and down the Rockport line.

Please don't take this next point as me talking down to anyone, but I want to add  a side point that those of you who try new technologies like the Altaira grounding system, component isolation, power conditioning etc and can't hear their contributions, I suggest that you have exceeded your systems' ability to resolve. You have some weak link that isn't capable of allowing those fine details through. The Parasound JC1+ is an example I have owned that hits a limit on resolution.  The amp does almost nothing wrong tonally and has tons of power and driver grip, but it doesn't allow the resolution of fine acoustic details to be heard. 

Good luck with your search, you have a good budget for a truly great system. After you pick your new speakers make sure the amp compliments the speaker, that your placement is super finetuned, they are isolated from vibrations and have complimentary cables. I used to stretch financially to buy a speaker, hook it up and wonder why it wasn't spectacular. You need to tune it to your room and other equipment. 

0 Audio Icon 12. I thought it was amazing at AXPONA. Also volti is another choice. Lot's of other great choices you will be ignoring though if you are tied to horns.

@saummisra --

Look for a pair of used Meyer Sound X-10’s. They’re active speakers and are about the best that can be had in the 15" woofer/midrange + horn/waveguide class of speakers out there. That’s including the JBL M2, K2 S9900, Everest’s etc., and yes, you’ll have to take my word for it. They don’t sound like horns but deliver a big, effortless, delicate and coherent presentation. Great tonality as well. There’s a "domesticized" tower version in veneer, but I’d seek out the regular duratex finished pro-look version that needs to be lifted up on some low stands. They’re no longer in production and are hard to find, I gather, and they’re industrial looking for sure, but if you’re in this for the sound and what you’re addressing, they’re the real deal and not some overpriced, prettitied home stereo so-so stuff. 

Another interesting option could be the the dutch Stage Accompany speakers, namely the M57 and M59 models. They house a high sensitivity ribbon midrange/tweeter (SA 8535) that plays down to 1.5kHz and up to 20kHz. A friend of mine is using the M57’s (a 2-way MTM design with the SA 8535 and SA 1205 12" woofers) actively configured and subs augmented - a great setup. Personally I’d go for the X-10’s, but the SA speakers are very, very good, and they can be had new within your budget. Like the X-10’s they’re no audiophile beauties but rather made in rugged duratex finish. They’re not about looks, popular audiophile brands, vanity or other but just great sound. EDIT: actually the SA speakers can be had in a range of finishes and colors, other than duratex. 

Then there’s ATC’s SCM300ASL Pro. Outboard actively configured speakers, great sounding to boot, and with a little luck you might be able to find them used within your budget. 

Lastly: Sound Labs ESL speakers, 7ft version on up and with a dedicated sub setup. 

Speakers for leading edge, transients, speed and big sound

My first thought was a line array and/or dipole speaker like the Nola Baby Grand, Genesis Forte, etc., but they are mostly out of your price range even used.  But I found this Pure Audio Project speaker that may well do everything you’re looking for yet starts at under $13k new, and there are a couple available used on USAM.  Just another option to ponder, and best of luck.

https://pureaudioproject.com/quintet15-wall-of-sound-open-baffle-speakers-for-large-rooms/

Rockport 

Fischer & Fischer