Floorstander reco given a few criteria...

confused

you don't need wireless connectivity yet you are using a sonos amp???

The sonos amp supports both and I have sonos wireless speakers throughout the house. And while they sound good, they don't sound great. The floorstanders will use the wired section of the amp. Don't spin your wheels on that part. The wired output from the amp is rated at 125W/channel. 

yes ok --- but the sonos amp, leaving aside the wireless stuff, is on a good day a very mediocre class d, thin/flat sounding amp... its power is also overrated at 125 wpc as it is not even described into what ohm rating... i am not knocking the amp unfairly - i actually have one, i use it with in wall and pool side speakers in the house

so if you are sticking with the sonos amp to drive your tt/analog output i would say get some spendor or wharfedale floor standers, they will beautify and fatten the sound some, make the sonos amp listenable - you put sharper speakers like kef b&w focals it will be shrill city, much less klipsch

Ok, that's fair. You've piqued my interest tho. Let's say the 3k is spread across the speakers and a different amp - and say there is up to an extra grand if it would make a meaningful difference. What's that combo look like and do you think it would sound notably better than the sonos plus the spendor or wharfedales?

speakers

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649654009-tekton-impact-floorstanders/

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649654009-tekton-impact-floorstanders/

or the nicest set of proacs or vandersteens you can find and afford

amps

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649655271-primaluna-prologue-premium/

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649558164-audio-research-vsi-55-superb-tube-integrated/

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649657192-hegel-h80/

good luck happy hunting have fun

I'll take a look at these, thanks!

We have a paur of quad z3 for 2.5k stunning sound and looks
https://www.quad-hifi.co.uk/z-3/

https://www.hifinews.com/content/avtech-awards-20162017

Dave and troy
Audio intellect Nj
Quad dealers

OP, it seems like you’ve opened up a lot of possibilities by saying $4k over floorstanders and an amp. (I think that’s the gist.).

I like jjss49’s suggestions (I’ve heard Spendor; Wharfedale also sounds like a good fit). You might also consider Quicksilver, Totem, Focal:

Separate Preamp and amp ($2300)
https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649637401-quicksilver-line-stage-tube-preamplifier/
https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649656945-quicksilver-mid-mono-tube-amps/

Floorstander: ($1415)
https://tmraudio.com/speakers/floorstanding-speakers/totem-sky-tower-floorstanding-speakers-mahogony...
or these ($2100)
https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649600872-totem-hawk-speakers/

Integrated amp: new, this integrated is still a great deal: ($2k)
http://quicksilveraudio.com/products/integrated-amplifier/

You could pair it with these, used and be a bit closer to $5k:
https://tmraudio.com/speakers/floorstanding-speakers/focal-aria-926-floorstanding-speakers-prime-wal...

Or these and hit closer to (4k, total):
https://tmraudio.com/speakers/floorstanding-speakers/vandersteen-3a-signature-floorstanding-speakers... — you’d want to double check that the QS integrated would drive these adequately. Vandy folks here would know.

Thinking a bit more now....I bet the Quicksilver + Spendors + your phono setup would sound really lovely. You could tube roll a bit to find the sound that suits your taste, music, and room. Search for Quicksilver in these forums -- they bat pretty close to 1000 with folks.

This is excellent, thanks JJ, AudioTroy and Hilde!!! I have quite a bit to research, awesome. 

OP, just a P.S.
The Music Room is used and gives 14 day trial. They verify that all products work. They’re great to deal with. Trying in your own space is crucial.
Crutchfield has free shipping and very inexpensive returns (e.g.$10 for 160lbs of floorstanders). They carry some very good brands, including Revel, Focal, Dynaudio, Wharfedale, Klipsch, KEF, Martin Logan, and more). Their open box deals can be amazing. I used to associate them with only having mid-fi or lower end stuff, but that is not true. Amps: also have some good ones: Anthem, Arcam, Cambridge, McIntosh, to name a few.)

What system sound and performance characteristics do you value most, and what would you most like to improve upon over what you have now?

I like detail and separation. Right now the sound is kind of hollow and compressed in a way. All the notes are there but they aren't crisp and like distinct or spaced out, if that makes sense. If there was a goal it would be warmth and distinction or space.

Anyone have experience pairing the QS mid monos with the Wharfedale EVO4.4 speakers? I can't find a shop near me to audition them, but I've seen some pretty good reviews. I might just order a set from Crutchfield and a set of the Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-8000F or the Heresy IV and see which one sounds better? Any thoughts on what to expect? Feelings on either manufacturer/line? Also intrigued by the Definitive Tech BP-9040 bipolars but I have no experience with this brand or design.

Underwood HiFi is running a good sale on its LSA speakers here.  They don’t have their LSA-20 Signatures listed, but if they’re on sale too I’d guess they’re somewhere around $2500/pr (that may also include free speaker cables).  Certainly doesn’t hurt to ask, and they offer a 30-day trial period.  There’s also a McCormack DNA-125 amp for sale on eBay for $1100, and pairing that with the LSA speakers would very likely be a killer combo that pushes all your buttons hard.  Just a thought given your preferences, and best of luck in your search. 

I literally just bought the mid monos. Those are staying. So the combo needs to work with 40-50 watt tube output. Pre will be an icon ps1 mk2.