Best new or used speakers for under 3K?

Save up an extra $500 and get the Zu Essence. One of the better sounds at RMAF.

I would also consider a trial of the Ohm Acoustics Walsh 1000s. Assuming an 8' ceiling, this is the appropriate model for your room. I am just at the end of my 4-month in-home trial on a pair of the 2000s (also within your budget, but not necessary). You can check out this unsual design at ohmspeakers.com. The entire Walsh series sounds very similar, with the design scaled for different room volumes. Breifly, I have found these speakers to excel in many areas, especially timbre, freedom from congestion, detail reproduction, soundstage width and freedom from glare and grain. Excellent customer service, and designed and built in the U.S.A. Also, see the thread "Ohm Walsh Micro Talls: who's actually heard 'em?" in the speaker forum. (I have no affiliation with Ohm Acoustics).

If you can get to Chicago, I would highly recommend you have a listen to the Quartet. John L at Speakerworks is a great guy and I think you would be amazed when you hear his speakers.
Tim

Try the Salk speaker advertised in agon at $2800. I have not listened to, but I've only heard excellent customer reviews of Salk speakers.