Floorstanding towers

I’ve owned several Paradigm speakers from both the Monitor and Signature line. I wanted to upgrade my Monitor speakers in the theater, and auditioned the Ascend Acoustics Sierra 2. They have a high end ribbon tweeter, and the Sierra’s simply blew away the Monitor 7 I had.(The Sierra 2 is a 14" stand mount!)

So I eventually thought I’d try them out against my Paradigm Signature S6 V2 speakers. That’s right, a small bookshelf against a tower. Of course the S6 had more bass, but I couldn’t believe how well the Sierra’s matched up with the ribbon tweeters. The highs were a tie, and I preferred the vocal reproduction of the Sierras over the S6, a gorgeous mid range that sounded more open than the Paradigms.  I sold the Sigs(bought a sub for the Sierra 2's), which retailed for 5k.

Ascend uses the most rigid cabinets I’ve ever heard, made from bamboo. No cabinet resonance whatsoever which really improves the music. For your Parasound, I’d recommend their Sierra Tower with the Raal ribbon tweeter, about 2700 at their website. Once you hear them you will stop searching.

2nd the Double Impacts. I don't think you will come close to these for the price range you are shopping in. 

I second the Ascends. I own a pair of Sierra 1's and recently auditioned them on some tube amps. Amazing results! You won't believe what you get for the $$.

Hope you gentlemen don't mind if I chime in. Just bought some b & wcm 9 s1 off audigon. I'm going to upgrade my surrounds. Would you buy b&w 683's , cm 6 s2 or any suggestions. Amp is anthem 225. 200x3 for fronto and use marantz sr 8001... 120 watt for rear surrounds. I'm a real old rookie. Don't even hook my stuff up.....just love good surround an good music. Thanks to All

I second the Vandersteen recommendation.  Would also suggest Magnepan (Several new or used models in your price range), or a used pair of Quad ESLs, either the 57 or 63 (and its later derivatives).  Dipoles do really nice things vis-a-vis room interaction.  I  like some aspects of the Martin Logan presentation a lot, too, but you'll have to listen and see if you hear the transition between panel and woofer ... I suspect ML has gotten better at this since I last heard them in the late 1990s.

The Tektons are potentially interesting too - big, efficient speakers do things nothing else does in terms of dynamics, scaling, and lifelikeness.  It might be worth emailing Tekton to see if there's somebody in your area who'll give you a home audition.