Good Speakers for Rock and Roll Under 15K

Dynamics and transients are key characteristics in producing lifelike sound. I never heard an 86db speaker excel at these, no matter what amp / amps were used. Keep in mind, rock and roll recordings are generally very compressed, compared to classical and jazz, at least ime. If you just want loud, you really need high sensitivity speakers. And if you want control, you need good ss, at least with the power amp. The louder one wants to play, the room plays an important, constant part of all this. My last point. A good system as described above, does not care what music is playing. Enjoy ! MrD.

Wrapping up, thanks to everyone for your input!  When opening up topics like these, the hope is that many benefit from the answers.  I've garnered much over my time in this forum just by reading questions and answers I hadn't even posed. So, hopefully, this is good stuff for those trying to suss out their equipment.  Thank you everyone.  I will close my part in this discussion and continue to mull over possible tweaks as well.  Cheers.

My favorite speakers for Rock, dynamic music, and voice this past year (under $15K) have been the Vivid Audio K25's.  The bass and midrange power they present has got me coming back again and again. So much fun!  

I have previously owned a couple of PSB models, the last being the Stratus Gold, but have heard a couple of Paul's more latest offerings. I can absolutely attest to their ability to turn your listening room into the best sounding, most articulate Black Sabbath concert ever held. 

+1 for ATC SCM40a. Under budget and you can run XLR right to your tube pre. Have a look at their client list….