Good speakers under 10K.

I also agree that Vandersteens would be great but see that you don't like the looks. Revel and Joseph are two others that I agree with.

But here's one I don't see recommended: Avalon Ascent Mk II. These rarely come up on Audiogon but when they do, they usually go for about $5K. They were widely considered the "best" during their day (early 1990s). I know someone who has these and he thinks they are more musical than any other speaker currently made including stuff like the TAD Ref One (which I consider to be the best speaker I've ever heard; I've heard the Ascents but it was ~20 y ago - they were fantastic).

Joseph Audio Pulsars. Fabulous regardless of what front end or amp you are using, an uncanny quality.

Lipinski L707 monitors.

Used Sonus Faber Cremona

Based on your room size, I would also consider the Vandy 5s. But you should budget for a dealer to pay you a visit and set them up. If that isn't a possibility, consider a pair of Quattros, new, at about $8K. That price should include dealer setup.

For something completely different, consider a pair of Ohm Walsh 3000s. New, they are $4K pr. Their sonics are very much what you are looking for, IMHO. They come with a 120 day in home trial, so you only lose the shipping if you return them. I've had a pair of 2000s for 2.5 years, and I can't think of a new speaker under 10K I'd rather own. You can read my review in the speaker review section. Used, might be a different story. But you need to audition before you buy, and a home audition is the best way. FWIW, your idea of buying the amp after you choose your speakers is the right way to go about it.