Your budget would allow you to go with PSB Speakers' top of the line, the giant-killing
Synchrony One.
Here are comprehensive reviews from
Stereophile and
Soundstage. Don't forget to look at SS's
measurements. This speaker has exemplary frequency linearity and very low cabinet resonance, making for an unexpectedly resolving--yet smooth and musical--sound.
It always shows up prominently in Stereophile's Recommended Components (Class A, limited LF, alongside $12K to $36K speakers) and Absolute Sound's Editor's Choice issues. PSB speakers have a natural tonal balance and lack of harshness that make them very easy to live with over the long haul. Their midrange is natural and transparent while the bass is extended, clean, and well-integrated.