Started with $1k speakers … what now?

There are so many choices in that price range...though possibly an easy place to start would be with Sonus Faber and Polk in your new price range

It really depends on what improvements/sound characteristics you’re looking for as that’ll really drive what suggestions you get here and make them more targeted to your specific tastes.  Also, it’d be most helpful to know the rest of the equipment in your system including cables, power cords, power conditioning, etc.  The more info you provide, the better recommendations you’ll get here.

Thanks, soix.

I have a Quad Artera pre and stereo amplifier, mogami interconnects, blue jeans canare quad star speaker cables. A furman power conditioner. Emotiva XIEC power cords.

I suppose my real concern is if going from $1k to $3-$5k is a reasonable step up for someone with not a lot of experience in the hobby. I don’t want to go crazy at this point but in the $1k range I’m at I realize I’m getting things like stamped drivers, lower quality magnets, copper, ect. I listened to a Harbeth (can’t recall the model), Graham LS6, Moon Voice 22 (which I liked the most on first impression).

That jump in price can absolutely make a very significant difference...

The best way is audition to find which speaks to you if at all possible.  You can have a look at Arendal speakers as they offer the best customer service and trial period of any other audio company that I'm aware of.