Time to move UP, speaker-wise...

Hello all who are contributors of this thread... I've studied the speakers, but only in text form, associated with each recommendation. Some of the stand-mounts seem to reach into the lower registers, although the Vandersteen stand mounts would invariably require subwoofer support. The top of the line VLR, with the added cost of one or more subwoofers, would push me quickly into the $4K range. The VLR series peters out around 64hz.

The Dynaudio special 40 looks very attractive, but drops only to 41hz, also requiring a subwoofer. I'm definitely attracted to a full-range sound.  
@aexis1 - what is your experience with this speaker and how would you compare it with Vandersteen or Tekton.

@winnardt - love the Maggies notion, but they are coming in, at minimum, around $4k, before any shipping is paid, and then they require A LOT OF JUICE! Currently, I'm running the Nuforce STA200 @ about 80wpc. It's a sweet amp for what it is, but I don't see it pushing big Maggies. I'm not in a position to develop a massive revision of my entire system, certainly not in the short-term. Again, my limit is right around $3000.00 for new speakers.

I will note that I do have a subwoofer, the Martin Logan dynamo 700. I could hazard it as a mate to the Vandy VLR option, but I'm skeptical about the mating and I really do want to land on something of a final solution here. This is why I've pondered the Tekton option, where the double-impact comes in at $3000.00 and is embroidered with two-10" woofers, each speaker. The Electron SE is also on sale, said to drop to 20hz, made of higher grade components. I would love to hear anyone who can speak a comparison between Tekton and Vandersteen. I don't so much need to hear that one is "better" but what characteristics are heightened in the one vs. the other.

@jackd - to follow up, what is your experience with Tekton? You claimed I should stay away - what experiences have you had and with which speakers? Also, I did check out the advert for the 2ce II signature - looks wonderful. The various Vandy comments have definitely ignited some intrigue about what I might be leaving behind there, and I understand the newer iteration is probably quite an improvement over my 1992'ish model. Nevertheless, I don't really need to "stick with what I know" as I often find that unsung avenues are provocative. Which Vandy models have you owned, Jackd?

@gadios - the Sonus Fabers appear to be Italian made, or am I missing something? You seem to point to a discontinued line... the implication that I buy used... apparently this presents me with an impetus to research the line... You mention that these are especially musical speakers... The images of them depict an highly aesthetic offering... What other speakers can you contrast them with?

Finally @luisma31 - I'm working with a Schiit Saga (Tube and SS model), a modi DAC, a Cambridge audio transport and the Nuforce ST200. I had the Vandy 2CI's but found four dead drivers when I opened them up again, after my most recent move. Had them since 1992 and they played well till about 2013. Now, I've got a pair of Klipsch RP280F's and I may have made a mistake with them because I would count them largely responsible for the emergence of tinnitus. I don't play especially loud (at all) but they have a big glare in the upper registers, on some recordings and they almost always cause listening fatigue, even after a few songs. They have some potent qualities - probably to potent - but I think there is a problem with that speaker. 

Thanks so much for all the thoughtful feedback and I'm certainly open to hearing more. I think I'm a little caught in the Tekton excitement, but I want to ground that in some honest feedback (from owners), wherein a contrast can be made to other speakers, as a result of direct experience. I like the idea of something fresh (the Tekton's) but then the new 2ce is obviously quite fresh, some twenty-seven years later. I'm not particularly impressed by the lower efficiency of the Vandy - I had run my old one's off a paramount HCA1200ii @205 wpc and they were happy, but with only 80wpc now, I keep feeling the pull of efficiency, as I see in the Tekton... 

Thanks again, people. 

There’s a pair of 1st gen Joseph Audio Pulsars at US Audiomart for $3650 (list $7700).  Some of the best imaging/soundstage you’ll find anywhere and deep bass for a speaker of its size.  Read the reviews if you haven’t already.  Paired with your sub this could be a killer full-range system.  Best of luck. 

@listening99 
I have never owned a pair of Tekton's but have listened to two different models at a friends house.  I was not enamored with the sound and certainly not with the looks but that is my opinion and yours could be different but I wouldn't buy them blind unless you buy used where the depreciation has already occurred. Another issue to me is the constant turnover in models. Where continued innovation is good I think he has gone a bit overboard.  As to Vandersteens I have owned 2CE Sigs, 3A Sigs and  early Treo C T's all paired with a pair of 2WQ subs.  

Grow with sophisticated goals in mind?
1 Perhaps start slow with the latest 2 Sig series with serious refinement since yours.
2 The Hi-Pass Bi-amping advantage with Vandersteen plays an enormous advantage in performance growth while maintaining ((full range phase and time response)) as Jack d above mentions. When you hi-pass with any Vandersteen 2WQ / Sub 3, Quatro CT, newest Kento, and Seven series, this formula with its tunable analog in-room compensation concept takes the room out of the picture speakers disappear.
4 relieves the heavy lifting of your main amplifier dramatically improving clarity and transparency of the whole system.,
5 Further allowing Bass Q adjustments to your preference in your room.
When its all together we experience a rare genuine density when listening to recorded music,
Best JohnnyR Vandersteen dealer

On another recent thread ( amp thread, I believe ), someone was using a pair of Nuforce STA 200’s in vertical biamp configuration, on his Vandy 2ci sigs ( a fairly new pair ), and is quite happy with the results. Just an fyi. The Klipsch RP 280 F has a very resonant horn assembly ( imo ), and if you were to remove them, and damp the backs of the horns with Dynamat, much of your complaint with them will be gone. As far as liking them, or the sound of any speaker, it is always a personal opinion, and spending 3K on a pair, without hearing them, should be a no no. Happy holidays, peace and good health to all. Always, MrD.