At your price range you would be hard pressed to pick a BAD speaker.
Imaging was your dominant concern and goal, imaging can be found in dealer showrooms. So I would go to as many show rooms as possible and listen for the speakers imaging. basically road trip
Please take notes, is the imaging forward or is deep, how many subs were used during test and rate their looks and get their minimum distance from back and side walls and lastly how big are they.
All these issues and possible more impact your enjoyment after your purchase.
Once you make your choice you will now have to find the optimal location for your room. This is not simple or quick and I would recommend dealer help. I would also recommend looking at MiniDsp.com, Their products will help dialing your system in for your room, and any dealer worth their salt will know how to use this tool.
At your price range your music source will play a major role in your enjoyment. The major problems with an excellent system is that you can actually hear more than before including all the issues related to bad recordings. I would highly recommend an external dac as part of your system. the RME ADI-2 DAC is a good reference point to evaluate dacs. If HDMI is needed look at the Bryston Dacs which is one of a few that offers and HDMI connection.
Biggest point is, your Room is 50% of what you hear from your system, getting your system setup in your room is critical to getting the best sound out of any system.
As for a speaker recommendation that would be Ohm Walsh https://ohmspeaker.com/speakers/beta/ They are known for their imaging and sound no matter where you are standing or setting, a rarity for a lot of speakers. They also have their own sub line. Also you can call them and they will help dial in your speaker to your room ( based on shape and cubic volume) before it is shipped. Also the allow you a 120 trail period to make sure they work for you. Style is it only weakness for some people.
Good luck in your quest. Enjoy the Music
Imaging was your dominant concern and goal, imaging can be found in dealer showrooms. So I would go to as many show rooms as possible and listen for the speakers imaging. basically road trip
Please take notes, is the imaging forward or is deep, how many subs were used during test and rate their looks and get their minimum distance from back and side walls and lastly how big are they.
All these issues and possible more impact your enjoyment after your purchase.
Once you make your choice you will now have to find the optimal location for your room. This is not simple or quick and I would recommend dealer help. I would also recommend looking at MiniDsp.com, Their products will help dialing your system in for your room, and any dealer worth their salt will know how to use this tool.
At your price range your music source will play a major role in your enjoyment. The major problems with an excellent system is that you can actually hear more than before including all the issues related to bad recordings. I would highly recommend an external dac as part of your system. the RME ADI-2 DAC is a good reference point to evaluate dacs. If HDMI is needed look at the Bryston Dacs which is one of a few that offers and HDMI connection.
Biggest point is, your Room is 50% of what you hear from your system, getting your system setup in your room is critical to getting the best sound out of any system.
As for a speaker recommendation that would be Ohm Walsh https://ohmspeaker.com/speakers/beta/ They are known for their imaging and sound no matter where you are standing or setting, a rarity for a lot of speakers. They also have their own sub line. Also you can call them and they will help dial in your speaker to your room ( based on shape and cubic volume) before it is shipped. Also the allow you a 120 trail period to make sure they work for you. Style is it only weakness for some people.
Good luck in your quest. Enjoy the Music