Considering Towers in the $3000 range

Dali Opticon 6 Mk2 has more musicality than Oberon 9. Not a fan of Golden Ear. Totem makes great speakers but new out of your zone. 

Have you checked out Ohm Walsh Towers? Depending on the size of your room they will be right around your price range. I have a fairly large space and my Ohm Walsh 2000's have no problem filling the room and creating a very large and detailed soundstage. They are also designed to be placed near the front wall so it makes placement in difficult to treat rooms super easy. They are hand made in Brooklyn, Ny and they have a very generous in home trial period. 

Another nod for Ohm. I have the 3000’s in a large room. No issues and outstanding sound. Check them out.

My favorite sounding speaker in this price range is the Vandersteen Model 2Ce. I've had others and in fact have something else right now but I wish I had my 2Ce's back. At some point, I will.

Salk Sound