Time to move UP, speaker-wise...

ProAc

If only you had a relatively higher budget, i would say check out Cube audio speakers. 
I have experienced many speakers in my setup, changing brands and increasing the amount I'm spending every time hoping to get satisfied; from focal aria 936, to German physiks unlimited, to Wilson audio Sabrina, Kef reference 5s, until recently i switched to a Cube audio Nenuphar after hearing it over few months at a friend's house. Now that's it my own setup at last, i can say I have found my dream speaker that does everything i always wanted from a speaker. Bags of Details and information, very natural, realistic sounding (having no cross over does wonders), highly efficient that i could power it with a SET amp (on the way to replace my gryphon diablo 300), emotional level connection is very high despite its ability to reveal crazy details and layers. Give Cube audio room a visit next exhibition, you would be amazed. There are smaller models, doesn't have to be the nenuphar by the way.

I appreciate the responses, thus far... I've looked back into the Vandy scene, and the price of the new Vandy Treo CT at $9000 and the Quattro at $15,500 is prohibitive. I love Vandersteen, but I'm going to need to draw the line at around $3,000'ish. 

@steve59 - please describe your finding... what makes them 'sweet'?

@ncarv and @fastninja12 - I appreciate the nods in the direction of
Golden Ear. I know the local shop carries GE and I was intrigued, years ago, but never made my way to an authentic audition. I will put this on my list.

@gratefuleric - I have a call in to Tekton, to discuss options. I'm wanting to learn more about the OB Sigma, the Enzo XL, and the Electron SE. Al three are on sale, at this time. 

@coachpoconnor - Have you experience with the Druid Mark IV?

I've looked up PureAudioProject @willfolf and I have seen a review of some of their tech some weeks back, and I recall this as an option that drives expense beyond my limit... maybe they have some sales?

@tomic601 - Which model and do you have any model recommendations, given my price point? Have you compared the Vandys to newer Klipsch or, by chance, Tekton speakers? 

Thanks for hopping into this conversation. I found the guys at the local shop seem far less educated than I would have expected, or perhaps not very willing to share. They carry some decent machinery, but seem hesitant to open up about preferences; I think this is because they fear pushing something on someone when subjectivity is the ultimate rule of law. Still, it's sound-staging and subtlety that I crave, so can't we agree on the notion of a deep or full soundstage and layers of musical information? 

Take a look at the Philharmonic BMR Monitors currently being built by Salk Sound. They're in your price range. I Haven't found a bad review yet. It's a Dennis Murphy design.

Emerald Physics also has an open baffle speaker line. I have many happy hours listening to the KCIIs

At this moment they are planning to move the warehouse and are offering whatever is in stock at 50% off, and I think that includes shipping!