Best speakers for about $2000 a pair

If you can find a pair on the used market, I would suggest auditioning Meadowlark Ospreys. Finest transmission-line speakers made, IMHO. Organic well-balanced presentation w/ beautiful mids. I've heard Pat voiced them to go exceptionally well w/ tube amplification, but I've been running mine w/ a Sim Audio w5/p5 combo for six+ yrs. now, and absolutely love it. Happy listening...

Used Revel F 30 , sometimes as low as $1500 around here which is a great deal. Well extended Bass that can shake the rafters, midrange fantastic, better highs than the Vandersteens IMO. They can really fill up a room with a wide soundstage and can play fairly loud with little distortion.

Used Tyler Taylo 7U.
It would be under $1500 if you can find one.

Id buy the Ascent i's

Easily the Fritz Carbon 7's.

Do yourself a favor and at least give him a call.

I recently picked his $1700 Carbon 7's over the Totem Forest, Proac Response 1.5, B&W Nautilus 805, Usher X719, and a few other speakers.

They are THAT good.