what is the best sounding speakers for under 5000.

Not sure of your whereabouts but if anywhere near Chicago, a trip to Van L Speakerworks-773.769.0773 (http://www.vanlspeakerworks.com/) is strongly recommended.

The company's base model is the quartet which markets foraround $3200. My estimation is this speaker can easily hold its own against $10,000+ speakers. The Quartet uses a proprietary crossover that uses very high-end caps, coils and resistors and is designed to re-create the 3-dimensional image found in live performances. This circuit called the Ambient Recovery has 3 levels and can be defeated by simply not using the 3rd wire needed for activation.

The result is an imense depth of stage as well as width. Image width extends (depending upon source quality) easily 3' beyond both L & R speaker all while not requiring the speakers to be toed inwards (not recommended by Van L). Presenation is very 3-D. I have not heard anything like this and will recommend these as a serious contender for your choice. The base drivers are also of a proprietary dual motor design, they're very fast and capapble of base easily found in enclosures more than twice the size. Base models use ScanSpeak fluid-cooled tweeters. Van L can also accomodate upgrades and mods to the base model.
I own a rather "hybridized" verion that went a litte, well, beyond the base unit's specs. These have Deuland VSF copper foil caps, cast inductors, ScanSpeak Revelator tweeters, silver/gold wiring (Siltech) & WBT connectors. My first 30 second exposure with the base unit resulted in a 50% down payment because I knew what I was hearing was very special. I've always subscribed to the known brands for a long time but the Quartet has shown that smaller, local companies have the freedom to, in this case, produce a a product without the constraint of target marketing. It should also be noted that the Quartet is the result of a 5+ year R&D project.

Van L Speakerworks is developing a new transmission line floor standing unit for the $2K market. The prototype is showing hints of another amazing product.

Hope this helps.

Regards,

Scott

I was going through the same thought process as you recently. I just got a set of PSB Synchrony Ones. I still have my Stratus Golds. The Ones are similar but better overall, from bass to treble. They are just more open, smoother in the treble and go lower in the bass with great articulation. I was quite satisfied with the Golds, but the Ones truly are better.
Not a huge difference in overall balance, just cleaner from top to bottom. I listen to mostly classic rock and jazz. If you liked the Golds, you will really like the Ones.

I would take a good look at Vapor Audio's Cirrus speakers. They start at about $3600 and go up with upgrades and matching stands.
I have a pair of Vapor's sibling speaker called the Breeze on order. I will be picking them up in a few weeks. The Breeze was a more affordable option for me.
Also used Joseph Audio Pulsars, the new B&W monitors with subwoofer .
Salk floorstanders are nice too. Devore Nines used.
Todd

I would recommend a home audition of whichever Ohm Walsh model is appropriate to your room's cubic footage. First, I would speak with Ohm by phone to see if your amp would be a good match. I haven't heard your PSBs, but I have heard others, and I personally found them a bit too bright for my tastes. My Ohms are very smooth, warm, yet detailed. They offer a very un-box-like sound, with a huge soundstage, and deep, powerful bass. I listen to a wide range of music, including rock, and they do a wonderful job with everything, IMHO. Your budget will cover all but the top of the line model, IIRC.