what speakers to buy

In all honesty...I haven't read every single response to your inquiry. However, like yourself...I've been around the block a few times and my ears have roughly 40-years of training (give or take). I grew up with a pair of Bozak 410 concert grands that were my dad's. Fortunately for me...he decided to live on a boat...long story short...they've been in my possession for 12-years or so. They were powered with an old McIntosh 2200 amp so when I inherited them I switched out the 2200 for a McIntosh MC300. Each cabinet have 14-drivers and although the cabinets are 4' x 3' x 18" (hxwxd) and weigh in at 250 lbs (solid walnut) they magically disappear when in use. In addition to the Bozak's, I've owned (own) JM Labs (big and small), Kef's, B&W's, Tanoy's, Dunlavy's, old Klipsch (when they were still made by hand), PSB's, and Merlin speakers (old and new) to name but a few. If you're interested I would be happy to share with you the three (3) separate stereo (AV) systems I have (one on each of three floors...my wife knew what she was getting herself into when we married). This said...I have auditioned and listened to in great detail hundreds of other speakers to include commercial, stereo enthusiasts who created their own and everything in between. Although I like (and prefer) the presence of larger cabinet speakers (usually decreases the need for a separate sub-woofer)...I've always been impressed with what Bobby Z., up at Merlin can shove into a box. I would encourage you to find a pair of their current speakers (floor standing or bookshelf) and give them about 20-60 minutes of your time (depending on how many LP's/discs, etc you decide to bring. In the long run...it's your ear and wallet (and loved ones) who make the final decisions. If possible, I would also audition a pair of Meyer Sound HD-1 studio monitors. I'm lucky enough to have a pair to use as my computer speakers (sort of home studio studio) but like the Merlin's...they are magical to my ears! One more thing. Many "audiophiles" I've spoken with (including myself) offer this suggestion: When you play a piece of music you have listened to over and over and over again through a pair of speakers you have never heard before and you find yourself beginning to tear-up and/or cry...those are the speakers you should purchase." Besides, life is too short to listen to muddy, watered down sound that cost you an arm and a leg! 

Best of luck!

Shawn

http://sigsound.com/product-lines/merlin-music-systems/
 

@gdhal, the Focal Utopia family has lots of models. An A'gon member suggested a pair of Utopia Alto Be's that are on A'gon with an asking price within the OP's budget.

@cycles2

I found/find the Focal website to be a bit "quirky" (i.e. difficult to readily find information, among other things). In particular, there didn't seem to be any pricing at all. Regardless, I'll stand by my assertion which is that dollar-for-dollar the Golden Ear Triton Tower lineup will best the Focal line. Even if I'm mistaken, the point of my post is that at a minimum, the OP should consider GE and make his/her own decision.

Liked the Sonus Faber the best but since I'm a bass hound ended up with a pair of PMC's which I'm pretty happy with.

@norton

Should the opportunity present itself, you may be interested to listen to the Triton Reference. Many of the speakers mentioned in this would require a separate quality sub (and likely two) to even come close to the bass/bottom of the T Refs. Despite what many believe, there is *plenty* of "sound" going on beneath 40Hz.

@gdhal   

If you were not so intent on pushing Triton you might have read this thread. Cycles2 is correct  - there is an earlier post with a link to a pair of used Focal Utopia that is within the OP's budget.

sbs38,

I'm curious: has the Merlin sound changed over the years?

I had experience with the older VSMs that everyone used to rave about.
For me they utterly epitomized "hi-fi" that was detailed and quick, but dry and utterly without soul or tonal color.  Amazing for their size, but completely uninvolving.  (To my ears).

And...Bobby Plakovic passed away a few years ago, right?  Are Merlins still being made?

Wow. When shadorne becomes inflamed about you pushing brands, you know you have violated all objectivity.

Dave