Speaker recomendation

I recently heard the Vandersteen Quattro Wood CT at a friend’s home and I can say with very little reservation that it was the best sound I have heard to date. Not heard the brands like Wilson or other comparable exotic brands but the experience listening to these speakers was boderline religious. They were paired with his spanky new Audio Research VSi75 integrated and a very basic Bluesound Node2 streamer running through an Ayre Codex. Simply breathtaking and within OP’s budget.

@soundermn @vingard and others who have slammed @audiotroy for offering his opinions.  I just got off the phone with Dave and had a very nice and friendly hour-long chat. I've experienced most if not all of the NYC/tri-state area audio dealers and I assure all of you, Dave is not one of them. After spending 30 minutes on the phone with him, he actually directed me to a speaker he thought was on sale on Agon! As someone who is trying to go and audition speakers with limited time, there is knowledge that I can't possibly expect to glean because I don't have the time to acquire it. When you've been doing something as long as Dave and Troy have (combined 70 years of experience) in a hobby that is incredibly subjective, their opinions are valid, and they deserve a right to have them and post them freely, unless of course there are clear rules against that sort of thing.   However, @soix was probably right to call Dave out for bashing his recommendation, maybe that wasn't cool, but I can also respect that Dave feels that the AZ's aren't offering as much value as what he's recommending.  I will give Dave my time (although maybe not my hard-earned money) because I think he will open my ears up to some things I wouldn't have otherwise heard.  Cheers to all and thanks for being passionate about great sound.  ~Lance

@lgoler - didn't slam him - quite the opposite actually - I assume you misread my post.  

I bet you can get a pair of used Vandersteen 5's in your budget.  Call John Rutan at Audio Connection in New Jersey.

Igoler- well thank God and some of the sweeter words and notes have not put you off....
some thoughts.... again with my known bias...
great sound at the 15’ mark is certainly doable - using Jim Smith setup rule of 83%, that would put your speakers about 12.5’ apart...
you could get new Quattro with powered integral sub but as you say significant $ going into the cabinet - explaining the quarter million pair seller Vandersteen model 2 and 3, the $$$ goes into the sound not fancy veneers and a pretty cabinet.
as Stringreen so aptly points out you could also get a pair of used 5a which come with IMO a world class subwoofer... and a switchable rear firing tweeter for when you want more room fill, 10% distortion but pleasing in the right situations....
glad you are having fun!!!!!