what is the best sounding speakers for under 5000.

I've got the Vapor Cirrus and Selah Tempesta on order now so hopefully I will be able to test out both of these before too long. I haven't heard either, but from everything I have read these are two of the best bang for the buck there is. The Tempesta will also be in a stacked baltic birch ply cabinet.

I agree completely with Tpreaves. it's not going to be a competition at all. I just wanted to see for myself which ones worked best in my room, with my equipment, with the music I listen to. if you're in SF you're more than welcome to come by and hear for yourself, once they both show up.

Saeyedoc - my Tempestas will not be in the pre-built partsexpress cabinets. I had some stacked baltic birch ply cabinets made to the same dimensions. it will be interesting to compare 2-way vs 3-way back to back in the same environment though.

1bruingas - no, never heard of those.