"Best" speakers new/used under $3,000?

Most everyone recommends the speaker they own so you get the broken record on the site.

Buy used and you can get some great deals, up to 60% off on some relatively new speakers in some cases. Be careful with older models of great speaker lines because strides have been made over the years with transparency, midrange and tweeter detail etc.

It would be helpful if you could list some musical priorities. Soundstage, deep bass, non aggressive highs are a few of mine.

I agree with the Merlin recommendations, I owned the TSM's and really liked them but because of a repair issue with them I also had a pair of DeVore Fidelity 8's on hand for a few weeks of direct comparison with the TSM's.

I kept the DeVores and they're one of the best buys I've made in 40-something years of frequent gear changes.

Audiokinesis makes speakers in this price point that are exceptional values- easy to drive, very musical , excellent soundstage and wide bandwidth.

DSchultz....I was actually referring to any 800 series B&W in the price range I specified. Like a nice looking pair of 802 series 2 that I see at $2,300 listed now, or something similar....I'm reasonable.

I've heard great things from this thread about the Merlins, which I WILL make a point of listening too.

I understand that this is subjective so there is no "BEST" which is exactly why I put it in quotes. But I do need a place to start, and I think this community has invaluable experience. Knowledgable people's preferences acquired through actual experience are very helpful to me. Thanks to anyone who posts with your opinion. I am going to buy speakers soon, and I appreciate the help. For instance, I would have never gone out of my way to consider Merlins before, but I'm considering them now.

Audiokinesis is one of the lines I have never heard that I would really like to.

I like Duke's perspective on what it takes to produce good sound and would love to hear his designs....