I would go with either the PSB Image B6 ($500/pr) plus a $1500 integrated amp, or the PSB Imagine B ($1K/pr) plus a $1000 integrated amp.
Or if you also need cables and stands in that $2K budget, get the Image B6's and an $800-1K amp to leave $500 for stands and cables.
PSBs punch way above their price range. Several of their speakers regularly show up in the Stereophile Recommended Components and the Abso!ute Sound Editors Choice issues, usually more than any other single speaker manufacturer.
Most important, they have the kind of sound you're looking for--natural tonal balance, nicely balanced between detail and the body of the sound, very transparent lifelike midrange, but not forward or tipped up at all. Also, good bass extension and fullness for their cabinet sizes without hyping the bass excessively at 100 Hz.
Comprehensive review of the Image B6 here and of the Imagine B here. Especially check out how linear the response is (and how well controlled the bass is) on the Imagine B.
Or if you also need cables and stands in that $2K budget, get the Image B6's and an $800-1K amp to leave $500 for stands and cables.
PSBs punch way above their price range. Several of their speakers regularly show up in the Stereophile Recommended Components and the Abso!ute Sound Editors Choice issues, usually more than any other single speaker manufacturer.
Most important, they have the kind of sound you're looking for--natural tonal balance, nicely balanced between detail and the body of the sound, very transparent lifelike midrange, but not forward or tipped up at all. Also, good bass extension and fullness for their cabinet sizes without hyping the bass excessively at 100 Hz.
Comprehensive review of the Image B6 here and of the Imagine B here. Especially check out how linear the response is (and how well controlled the bass is) on the Imagine B.