Sound Stage and Imaging

A nice pair of Vandersteen model 2 or 3 can be had used in that range. They are fiddely to set up meaning they really need space from the front wall, to be placed far apart with little to no toe in. They are capable of achieving a huge soundstage with wonderful imaging of done property. 

I agree that speakers are the biggest part of the solution but some attention needs to be paid to electronics as well. 

Tekton: before the current B&W Nautilus 804 I had the Mini Lore (bought after in house testing several others in the large room with sub). 

Vandersteen: friend has a set of 2c (3 way IIRC), terrible room/setup. But will pay more attention next time. First time casual listening, I liked how 'easy/natural' they sounded. 

+1 bigtwin.

To get a truly large lifelike presentation you need a line source loudspeaker like a Magneplanar , ribbon or electrostatic speaker. All these other speakers are point source which have an inherently microscopic sound stage, even the larger ones. Go Listen to Magneplanars. They are the best value.