Candidates for best speakers in the $2000-5000 market

I was auditioning Focal 936s and 948s roughly at the high end of your range at a dealer who also carries Tannoy and ended up with a pair of Tannoy Cheviots for a bit outside your range, but IMO better. Ons selling point that may apply to you is that my audio advisor pointed out they are a little more forgiving as to speaker placement and listening room issues, and you mentioned a wife who is an interior designer, so you may have limitations based on her requirements.

Magnepan with a big amp always win!!

Happy owner for 12 years of Ohm Walsh 2000s.  Provided your room volume is compatible, I would highly recommend an in home audition.  Ohm gives you 120 days to let them break in and sound their best.  

My review is posted in the review section here.  Since that review, I have made many upgrades to my electronics, but have never felt I need to upgrade my speakers.  The 2000s have made each upgrade easy to hear, for better or worse.  Plus, I can barely listen to most box speakers now, since the drivers stand proud of the cabinets on my Ohms.  Plus, John Strohbeen, something of a legend in the industry who owns Ohm, is extremely accessible and helpful.  All his speakers are built in Brooklyn, NY, too.

Since everyone's throwing their hat in the ring here's mine:

- Vandersteen Treo (used if you can find them)
- Magnepan 3.7i (used)
- Ohm Tall 3000 - There's a gorgeous pair for sale on eBay right now

This may be the most asked question in the aspiring audiophile’s mind: best speaker for $2500 ($5000 new in the used market) followed by "but what amp now???"

I know it’s a cliche but Dynaudio Contour 20

(the Evoke 30 is on sale for ridiculous prices btw)

or the Special 40 with a sub, if you can tweak it correctly