Best floorstanding speakers under $2000

OP, when you say "best" do you mean in absolute terms? or just in my opinion? I always thought Klipsch was a brand that tended to appeal to those who primarily listen to rock (i.e., loud with minimal compression).

The very best floor-standing speaker, without a doubt, by any standard, is a used Merlin VSM - which is not often thought of as a rock speaker, but I think does rock quite well, even though it only goes down to 30hz or so - how much rock music actually has deep bass in the recording? Unless you are listening to electronic, I'm not the deepest bass is an essential part of typical rock recordings. Aerial speakers are also the best.

You would probably get more improvement by treating the room instead of new speakers.

The very best floor-standing speaker, without a doubt, by any standard, is a used Merlin VSM

Really? How did you come to this decisive conclusion?

Aerial speakers are also the best.

Well, is the Merlin(specific model) or the Aerial(entire line)the "best"? Inquiring minds want to know!!!

I read some of the reviews, it does seem your speakers are well made for rock. I think that Zmanastronomy is right, but it sounds like you have the itch for a change, not simple improving what you already have - true? If not, room treatment is a lot of bang for your buck in improving the performance from you system -- especially in the bass. Is that a way you might want to go? Or do you really want another speaker?

My advice is get a plane ticket to Denver next Friday and spend some time at RMAF. Get a "ears on" demo and determine what works for you and your budget.