Best speakers for $3000

At that price point the Golden Ear Triton 2's deserve an audition. Very nice speakers and with powered subs have plenty of bottom end! Image very well also ... they hold a center image like crazy even with the speakers fairly far apart and create a very nice soundstage. The main problem with them is that most people audition them with receivers and never really hear what they are truly capable of.

Regarding the trashing of Cerwin Vega, the XLS-215 is apparently quite good. Check out this review calling them "the best deal in home audio today". I'd love to hear them.

...but 99% of audiophiles will never want to <blah>

That doesn't mean it's a bad idea. 

A friend of mine just picked up a used pair of Legacy Focus 20/20's for $2200.  Super efficient and can be driven nicely with a modified Dyna 70.  Wonderful speakers.  Don't use solid state amps though. The Legacy's love tubes.

Revel F206 would be a no brainer choice for any music. A lot of product for the money. Revel just offers more. FWIW. 

Harbeth used
Amphion pro line
Proac used