Best speakers to buy for around $1,500

OP, here is a review that I think you will find helpful. It even addresses how efficient the Vandy 1C's are. Easy to drive by your system or if you ever upgrade it will keep sounding even better as I was trying to point out. Your dealer will help you with the set up to get the most out of them. Very easy to do.

http://www.tonepublications.com/review/vandersteen-1ci-loudspeakers/

Altec model 15 19 a5 a7

If you can stretch just a little there is a used pair of Tekton Pendragons for sale here that would really do justice to the music you tend to play. Or Tekton Enzo new with a 30-day in home trial I think. Whole lotta speaker for the money. Best of luck.

Given my own personal priorities, I'd almost certainly go with Magnepan MMGs ($600) and a pair of SVS SB 1000 sealed 12" subwoofers ($950). That's a true full-range system of crazy high SQ potential. You'll have to do some work to optimize integration, but -once dialed in - this one is a killer.

NB: I use a similar set-up with Rythmik subs and Audyssey to optimize integration. If you use only digital sources, I think this is an amazingly cost-effective solution. If you use analog sources, the ADC to DAC may be an issue for you.

Kef ls50