Best speakers for max. $3000?

Find some used Aerial 5 or 5b speakers. Mount on Sound Anchor stands specifically manufactured for this speaker. The stand is as important as the speaker. Think of the stand as part of the speaker. It is. Buy new from the manufacturer to ensure you get the correct stand

You might be able to swing this for 15-1800.00 us

Good luck. You will need it

Check out the Guru super Juniors ,

 I know everyone wants to mention the speakers they happen to own.  I'm no different.  :-)  

I did quite a few auditions last year (including Tekton DI), and ended up with a used set of Revel F208s for $3k.  They should punch above the $3k speakers mentioned (I have not compared them all) because they are $5k speakers, because Harman is a good speaker company, and they have gotten excellent reviews.  I see them here regularly for around $3k used.  

Having owned both open baffle and box speakers, there's nothing like the openness of open baffle. In your range I highly recommend the Emerald Physics KCIIs. They are offering a ridiculous special right now. Hurry