Standmount speakers 4k-8k

Kalili thanks for advice. I have taken the comments about electronics to heart and just yesterday bought on Audiogon a Sony integrated amp (regular price 2k, got it for 1/2 that). So in a week I'll see how the GX-50s sound with a real amp, rather than the $300 Yamaha I've been using. 

Ain't music grand?

Kalili thanks for advice. I have taken the comments about electronics to heart and just yesterday bought on Audiogon a Sony integrated amp (regular price 2k, got it for 1/2 that). So in a week I'll see how the GX-50s sound with a real amp, rather than the $300 Yamaha I've been using.

Ain't music grand?

Soundsreal: thanks for the offer, but I'm afraid your speakers, even though recommended by several on this list, wouldn't pass the WAF...

I work for a dealer, NJ based Audio Doctor, and you have to hear the Paradigm Persona B and 3F floor standing speakers before you decide on any other speakers and we have no skin in the game it sounds like you are in a different state! We just showcased these speakers at the recent New York Audio Show.

The new Persona use the most advanced drivers currently on the market and utilize a pure 7 inch Beryllium midrange driver mated to a 1 inch pure Beryllium tweeter. 

Beryillium is the most perfect material for making a loudspeaker driver cone out of it is significantly lighter and is much greater in rigidity than aluminium, or titanium or woven carbon fiber or graphene derivatives. 

Never before have drivers of this quality been seen in anything below $25k speakers! 

The Persona series throws a huge sound stage and are very transparent, with remarkable midrange clarity without any hint of brightness or artficiality to the sound, they sound more like what you would find in much more expensive speakers then what you get for the price with the Persona. 

auditory, I stopped in your room at the show and really liked the sound of the Paradigms. I later looked up the Persona B model hoping I could afford the smallest model but at $7K a pair retail, they are (still) well out of my price range.

UPDATE: 
I've taken the advice received here and started with improving my amp. Dealing with audiogon makes it financially possible. Just today got my Sony AE1, which is not very old, for 1/2 price. 
And you guys were right, makes a big difference. 
I've got an T and A cd player coming; and the monitor audio PL100II, all bought for remarkable prices. 
Systems sounds better already but I suspect that 
the best 
is 
yet to 
come!

in that price range, id want to try:
vivid 1.5
harbeth shl5+
proac d2
graham ls5/9
amphion argon 3s

I don't own either, but would suggest the Penaudio Cenya or Cenya Signature. You'd have to drive to Nashua to Fidelis AV. I'm not affiliated with the shop, but did spend a fair amount of time listening to the Cenya Signatures while shopping components. Fidelis also carries the Harbeth line (they're the importer), which are worth checking out as well.

LAST WORD: 
Well, that's it. On the advice of folks here I updated my cd source and my integrated amp. And the speakers arrived today: Monitor Audio PL 100 II. 
And the whole system at about 60% less than regular price, since I got all the pieces on this site. All of them look and sound new. All transactions were easy. 
Amp is Sony TA1
CD Player T and A Elektro Akoustic 1260
Even before the PL100s the GX50s were singing with the new source and amp. I really didn't realize how much difference that would make. 
But the new speakers: my goodness they are fine. Deep, clear, bright on top, spacious. They are in a pretty small room and the soundstage just spreads side to side and front to back. 
So...thanks for all your great advice and happy listening to us all. 

ATC or PMC

Focal Sopra no1
Paradigm Persona b

raidho (used) if possible.

The Sony TA A1es is an incredible bargain and great amp. 

Been following your thread. Glad to know things worked out for you. Participating in this forum and purchasing via this site has proven very worthwhile for me as well. 

Enjoy!