Someone already referred to Klipsch if you like the dynamic sound typical of a high efficiency speaker. These type speakers mate best with tubes and don't need much power, i.e., a good amp with 5 - 35 watts.
For your price range consider the Forte I or II, they are very close to the Forte III Klipsch recently brought out to satisfy the nostalgia crazy and many are happy to pay around $3000 for them (see recent reviews). With a nice oak cabinet, they are also one of the best looking speakers in this price range, (if you like that old school furniture look).
With my Forte I's, some nice refinements where made with Bob Crites's tweeter diaphragms and crossovers. You can also build your own crossovers using ALK's suggestions. Raising them about 6 inches also helped with midrange and up clarity and balance.
Proper room treatments made a much bigger difference, as it will with all speakers. Now friends are surprised at the clarity and sound stage these 1980s Fortes provide with good recordings like Steely Dan, and there is no more listening fatigue for long periods at higher listening levels.
Whatever you decide, play around with speaker placement and sitting position and enjoy the music.
