"Absolute best" used speaker for $8-10K

How would you like a custom hand made pair of speakers using only the finest drivers, crossover components, etc. in the world, and built to suit your tastes in music? All components in the speakers matched to rediculously tight tolerances, including drivers, hand wound coils, etc. Oh, yes, and your choice of wood accents, cabinets, etc.

I just days ago took possession of my Chapman Audio Systems T-77's, which are the speakers I'm referring to. I already own two pair of T-7's, which are very highly regarded in the used market. The T-7's are still being made, but for your needs, the flagship T-77 is what you want to pursue.

Stuart Jones is known on the West coast as an excellent speaker maker. He has gone into custom home installs (SERIOUS custom installs) but is still working one on one with people to build them fantastic speakers. He is a perfectionist and obsessive about the quality/sound of his speakers. They are truly quality speakers! They are the only dynamic speaker that I have ever been satisfied with. They are good enough that they easily drew me away from planars.

If you email me, I can send you pic of my T-77's. Here's Stuarts' phone number 206-463-3008 The T-77 will be right in the zone you specify for cost.

JM Labs/Focal Alto Be.Hi's to die 4.

Knowing some of the above mentionned products I would STRONGLY recommend listening to the Ayon Falcon S speakers if you like extreme transparency, soundstaging, detail retrieval, speed and neutrality. The Ayons are pretty dynamic but no real bass-wonders like B&W 800 or the Sophias but exceed these particular products in ALL other areas. Far better and more dynamic and engaging than Avalon Opus Ceramique.
A speaker to last a life time. Hope this helps.

You mentioned a preference for female vocals/jazz. Diana Krall "The Look Of Love" won a Grammy for Best Engineered Album in 2002. I believe it was mastered by Doug Sax on ATC SCM 100ASL's. These speakers are currently listed on audiogon used for $7500 obo.

Not necessarily the "Absolute Best". Seriously, can any speaker claim that title when so much depends on room acoustics and aesthetic needs?

Given you plan to spend that much money, these speakers have a heritage in pro use that should give you more confidence than the all too common glowing audio magazine review or web testimonials from people you don't know.

I would also recommend the Ayon Falcon S. The only drawback is that it is available only new with a current wait time of three months and I seriously doubt that anyone who has it would sell it.