Speaker suggestions


I have had the same speakers(signet 280ex) for about 15 years. It is time to replace them. They are really mid-fi. My first listen was comparing them to a pair of Dali Ikon 6's. The Ikon's bested my speaker in every category! Detail, Dynamics, Bass, Bass Clarity, Evenness across the frequencies. BUT I did find the Dali's too bright for my tastes, plus the drop in the American Dollar has caused the price of the Dali's to go from $1550 to $1750 to now $1900! Literally 3 or 4 months ago this same speaker would have cost me nearly $200 less. A year before that $350 less. I considered the Jean-Marie Reynaude Euterpe, but those went from $1995 to $2895 4 months ago- $900 more!!!

Sooooo, I am looking for suggestions for speakers....preferabally something not imported from Europe.

My System:

VPI HW19JR
Audioquest PT6 tonearm
Soon to be Benz Woodbody "S" cartridge
Nova Phonomena Phonostage
Magnum Integrated Amplifier

Qualities I am looking for:

- $1000-$3000 (used is OK)

- Looking for something that plays all kinds of music well - Rock, Jazz, Pop, Classical, Blues, etc.

- Good soundstaging and body

- Neutral (my space has concrete floors...so nothing too bright)

- Dynamic with some slam - I listen to all kinds of music, but mostly Rock.

- Smooth

Thanks in advance!
carter9000
I love my Alon Lotus Elites which are no longer made; the Nola Viper IIA are very similar though. These speakers do everything right in my opinion.
i agree with chadnliz regarding vandersteen 2 (what ever the model is). i believe the retail is under $2000, new. i have heard them work with tubes and solid state gear.