Soundstage and explosive dynamics?

^ There are plenty of large cone drivers can be driven to high levels with low power.

Many of the ubiquitous 3-way, narrow baffle, ~$3k towers can do dynamics fairly well, but I haven't come across any that can produce sound with the sheer scale of something like Klipsch Cornwalls. 

Question is do horns, generally speaking, produce life-like dynamics or exaggerated 'life-unlike' dynamics ?
As I understand, 15" woofer is difficult to make fast, maybe couple of 10" - 12" would be better ?
I would not expect any $3k speakers with any source and amps to give me a real scale, $30k would be a more realistic figure, I guess.
Having said that, I read some review of the Gryphon Diablo 300 integrated where the reviewer, after he had done his tests, tried this $16k integrated with $500 Elac monitor speakers, just for fun. He was close to shock - he didn't expect them to be able to play like that.
Speakers need great amps.

Not going to comment on horns here because do not have enough experience beyond PA systems to add any value.

I have heard some impressive dynamics and excellent imaging from medium sized tower speakers with cone drivers that can be had for under ten grand new or used.  Many suggested here already. Here’s my list:

Focals - 1038 Be II or Sopra 3 - used
Wilson - later Watt Puppy or Sophia models - used (good choice IMO)
bigger ProAc Response models - used
PMC - Fact 12 - used (pair on Agon now just above your budget for nearly 1/2 price new, FYI)
Monitor Audio Platinum 300-II - used
Vandersteen - Quattro, maybe, preferably CT model
Revel Ultima Studio 2 - used - very good with right amplification 

none of these are going to be as efficient as horns of course, but you will not need a monster amp to drive most of them to achieve what you are looking for.  I don’t know what you are using now, but these are all very good for around ten grand, give or take a few big ones.