OK, best speakers for 2500 USED......

Red Rose Rosebuds.

Revel F30.

Magnepan MG 3.X,
Avalon Avatar, set up properly in a small to mid sized
room, with the right electronics will beat any of the box speakers above for imaging, soundstage, focus, though probably not bass energy.

You might be able pick up demo Dunlavy Cantatas for near this price as dealers close out their stock.

Tyler Linbrook monitors - a superbly crafted monitor built with great drivers that can be had with matching stands with a few bucks to spare. Won't be getting rid of mine any day soon...

Thiel CS2.3

Magnepan 1.6's. Se'em up right and they will continue to excite. A lot of speaker for the money.

Audio Artistry Dvorak

Gershman Acoustics RX-20

If you can find them

JM Lab Electra 905..if you can find them.

Joseph Audio RM-25si

Dunlavy 4

Dynaudio Contour 3.0

The Beethoven's would sound very good with your gear. Even better if you add a REL sub. Another choice would be Vandersteen 3A Sigs. Determining which speaker is the "Best" is fully your decision, for everyone's taste is different.

Beethovens......
Tim

I'll be the first to pitch for planars and ribbons... If you want the singer in the room with you. I am extremely partial to the Apogees. The Diva will cost you a grand less than you plan. The Duetta about a third. With the BAT plus an Apogee you will be instantly placing your system at it's 99 percentile sonic potential at any cost.

ProAcs, Response 2.5.. ! ..great detail and sound

I'll second the Vienna Acoustic Beethovens. I also like the Silverline Sonatina II's in this price range. I bought the Beethoven's, but the Sonatina's were very, very close second.

Easy, the Audio Physic Virgos. One of the truly great speakers. Listen before you buy anything else. Good luck.

Wendell

Vienna Accoustic Beethovens. I've had the combo you speak of(including the VKD5). It's great together!