What are the best loudspeakers under $4000 to re-create lifelike piano

snapsc: As requested above, my thoughts on how my Ohm Walsh 2000s "do" piano: I have owned these speakers since 2009, and IMHO, are timbre champs. They also excel at getting transients right, a must for piano reproduction. I do use mine with a pair of Vandy 2Wq subs, which would be a budget buster for you, but I would encourage a home audition of whichever model is the right size for your room (guide to room size is on the Ohm web site).

Piano recordings are all over the map in terms of true-to-life sound. But I have found better recordings of piano to sound terrific on my 2000s. I really love the piano that accompanies Norah Jones on "The Nearness of You". It is well recorded, and causes an emotional response every time I hear it on my rig. But it is important to identify some really well-recorded piano pieces for your auditioning. Listen for resonance of the sound board on the left-hand keys, and a combination of smoothness and transient snap on the right-hand keys. But know that some recordings preclude the ability to hear these things on any loudspeaker, regardless of price.

snapsc - My room is on the larger side of the size range for the 2000s, although I sit only 9' back.  Without the subs, the 2000s seem to go well into the 30's, probably around 35Hz, with a good amount of output. (Sadly, with my amp in the repair shop, I am listening now without the Vandy subs, but only my HT sub, an old Def Tech PF15.  Even through my cheap AVR, these speakers sound lovely!)   But with your sub properly dialed in, you should have no bass issues. 

Your guess on the need for larger Ohm Walsh models in bigger rooms is correct.  The thing about this line of speakers is that the sound is very consistent model-to-model.  You gain low-end extension, higher dB output and perhaps some better macro-dynaimcs as you move up in size.  But timbre, resolution, soundstage characteristics, etc., are all about the same, whether you have the Micro-Walsh Tall or the 5000s.

snapsc - If I can chime in while we wait for ASVJerry, Ohm does not use Walsh drivers these days, but they do use the Walsh principle of bending wave propagation, in which the back of a cone driver radiates sound in a quasi-omni pattern.  Getting this type of speaker voiced right requires, IMO, a different skill set than voicing other speaker types.  A few are really good at it, including John Strohbeen at Ohm and German Physiks (which does use a Dicks Dipole Driver). 

Part of the reason so few do this is, perhaps, marketing.  Many consumers expect a bunch of forward facing drivers in a box.  Many assume omni's can't image well (which is false, IME).  And in the early days, true Walsh designs were, um, finicky about associated gear and had some reliability issues.  And then there is the price.  Ohm Walsh speakers are not expensive, and since Ohm doesn't sell a $75,000 Reference model, they don't get a lot of love from the audio press or high-end folks.  Selling factory direct is a two-edged sword, too, which keeps prices low, but means there is no dealer network to talk up the brand.  Just my 2 cents.

^  Bingo, snapsc.  As I said previously, I think Ohm gets little respect because of their lower price points and direct-sales approach.  Compare, for example, how few reviews there have been of the Von Schweikert VR series, which are likewise priced lower and sold direct, as opposed to their more expensive lines, sold by dealers.  Another common point between the VR series and the Ohms is their appearance.  They look okay, but clearly, neither Ohm nor Von Schweikert have spent a lot on the cabinetry.  That would raise the prices and defeat their purpose of offering great sound and great value.

But the Ohm forums on this site are quite extensive.  Also, until recently, Ohm eschewed exhibiting at audio shows, and does not advertise in print media.  This might explain the scarcity of reviews in audio publications.  They do a bit of web advertising, but, otherwise, it is mainly word-of-mouth.

Ohm is not alone in having a sort of under-the-radar, cultish following.  Tekton and Silverline Audio are two more I would put in those categories.

YMMV, of course, but what mapman says about the Ohms I completely agree with.  They do a good job of telling you what is going on upstream, but they are not so ruthless that poor quality recordings become unlistenable.  I think Jonathan Valin of TAS would say the Ohms are "As You Like It" speakers.  Yet, I don't feel like I am missing any details.  And while the imaging may not be laser-cut, on good recordings, each performer occupies their own space within the sound stage. 

I also agree that the Ohms respond well to upstream improvements.  I have a pair of subwoofers that cost more than my 2000s.  My amplifier, which is in the middle of being upgraded, will have cost about what the speakers did, and my preamp cost significantly more than the 2000s.  Yet, I would not consider the Ohms the weak link in my system.  Not even close.

@twoleftears  - Yup, good luck with that.  This is the reason, when I did some speaker shopping eight years ago, I crossed both Silverline and Shanhinian off my list.  How do sell direct only with NO return option? 

I guess your best bet is to seek out local current owners of the Silverlines and see if you can get them to invite you in for an audition.