quest for speaker upgrade

You’ve got a couple great contenders there IMO.  I got to hear the Grand Avant Gardes at a show in NYC last year (unfortunately can’t recall the associated electronics), and they were outstanding and were in my top 3 at the (albeit relatively limited) show.  I’d also suggest the Joseph Audio Perspective 2s as another excellent option to maybe add to your list, and there’s a near new pair (still in plastic wrap) available now in Our Home and Native Land at a substantial discount in case you’re interested…

https://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/650068722-joseph-audio-perspective-2-graphene-like-new/

I’d be remiss if I didn’t at least bring up these used Pearl 3s as they’re also in your price range and are legit end-game speakers.  They’ve been available for a while so may be negotiable at this point.  To my ears Gershman and JA speakers share many of the same considerable strengths and why I love them both.

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650017479-joseph-audio-pearl-3-speakers/

Hope this helps, and best of luck in your quest!

yes indeed Joseph audio i forgot to mention is definelty on my short list and luckily there is a dealer in Toronto that carry that line

The Gershmann’s were one of favorite speakers at CAF last fall.

I also think used Revel Salon 2’s (which I own) are a steal for 12k.

they look very different, if that matters.

You will be in for an amazing experience in upgrading to that level of speaker.

Speakers come with sound characteristics that are vastly different. Vastly! So, I recommend not considering anything other than sound quality as a first cut. If at all possible go to a city and listen to some of the major categories of speakers to see what kind of sound they have, and what you are drawn to. That kind of money really is best spent after exhaustive listening.

I would listen to Sonus Faber (musical and natural not un-totem like), B&W (huge punch with a bit of sizzle), Magico (really fast accurate and clean), Wilson (detailed and holographic), Magniplanar (ribbon, really fast and detailed). Each will be supported better by certain kinds of components. So, you are starting in the right place.

But take as much time as you can zeroing in on the sound you want. Your experience with different speakers you have now will be of value.

new or used?