Need Suggestions for speakers up to $15K new/used

There is Gamut M7 for sale on US Audiomart, if anyone is interested.

As someone that seriously got in to audio 3 1/2 years ago, I'd like to offer a perspective that I've found invaluable.  I made quite a few mistakes in my early purchases, especially in speakers, and I have to strongly urge that you either seek out a local shop that will allow you to seriously audition any speakers you're considering or consider internet based speaker companies with generous return policies.  HiFi sound is so subjective that you simply cannot rely on reviews or suggestions from others other than to narrow or expand the models you're considering.

Additionally, don't rely on a relatively brief listening session in an environment that doesn't match where you'll be setting them up, or where the rest of the equipment doesn't match what you'll be playing through them.

As an example, my own decision on my current speakers came after I had settled a couple years ago on B&W 804 Diamond speakers and was contemplating an upgrade to the B&W 803 D3 speakers when they came out last year.  I went to my local dealer that I'd been working with, and listened to them through the same equipment I had at home for about an hour.  My dealer also recommended that I listen to the Wilson Audio Sabrina and I gave them a quick listen as well.  I'd heard Wilson speakers at shows before, and had frankly never been overly impressed with them.

I wasn't ready to make a decision that day, and started thinking about the speakers and doing some independent research.  When I had the funds to make the purchase, I decided I really needed to give the Sabrina a fairer shake, so I arranged for another audition compared to the 803D3.  I brought along a couple of my audio friends, and we spent about three hours with several records I'd brought along (my serious listening is all vinyl), and hooked up to the exact same turntable, cartridge, preamp (with on-board phono preamp) and amplifier.  I was surprised that after 3 hours, I'd come to the conclusion that I overwhelmingly preferred the Sabrina for jazz and classical, and very slightly preferred the 803D3 for rock.

Final step was an in-home audition of the Sabrina.  My room, my exact equipment and my listening habits.  The dealer brought them to me, set them up and left them for a long weekend.  I had to pay about $200 for delivery and pickup, but for $16,000 speakers I considered it money well spent.

While I think you should consider the Wilson Audio Sabrina, there are a LOT of excellent speakers at this price.  The point is that everyone's ears and tastes are different, and you have to find what you like and what works in your environment.  If necessary, considering the amount you're spending, take a trip to somewhere with a lot more options (the Bay area in particular has a TON of HiFi shops).  

I also like to support my local dealer, and I took a quick look and Crescendo in Wheatridge carries Wilson Audio, as well as Harbeth, Dynaudio and Paradigm speakers.  You should look at the web sites of other speakers you're considering to see if there's a local dealer.

Good luck!  Personally, I almost regret being more or less done with my upgrades (only my turntable and phono preamp are left), as I thoroughly enjoy the process of giving serious audition to new equipment.  Now I volunteer to help my friends when they want new equipment, mostly so I can tag along for the auditioning experience.

I would second the Revel Ultima Salon......incredible value though a little hard to drive..shud be no problem driving them with PS audio electronics imo.

rockport atria used might be in the ball park as well though they will not go down as deep as the revels. But incredible speakers nonetheless. I can vouch for them as I currently have the aviors!

i saw a kef blade for 17.5k in audiogon.....another good contender and cutting edge technology 

hope this helps

sujay

in the 15k price range, Id try

jbl m2
jbl s3900 or jbl k2 s9900
revel gems 2 + rel g2 subs or revel studio 2
atc scm45a
harbeth shl5+ with rel g2 subs
focal sopra 2