Attractive Bookshelf - Under $3k

Salk speakers are great sounding and looking 

I've never heard them, but the reviews have always been stellar for Van L Speakerworks' Quartet Series. Last time i was in the market they were $2,995.  I e-mailed John, the owner, about them and he was very prompt in his reply and very detailed. From what i've read, he and his products are well thought of in the Chicago area.

http://www.vanlspeakerworks.com/index.html

Anyone on this thread familiar with them?

Definitely take a look at Salk Sound 

I have a pair and love them

All the speakers in your list seem impressive.  If I were you, I will start by reviewing all the reliable reviews given by the reviewers you thrust and come up with a short list of three by elimination.  For example, Fyne Audio F500SP review by What Hi-Fi? was critized lack of dynamic agility although they were appraised impressive sense of scale, punchy and plenty of bass.  You might eliminate them if you thrust What Hi-Fi? and care about dynamic performance of the oudspeakers.  Upon obtaining the short list, you could start up the home trials if the manufactures offer.  Going into the store (if you have access) and take even a few hours of auditioning is not going to be enough for decision making based on my experience.  Worser yet, if you throw in so many choices to the Audiogoners and ask for advises without doing your due diligence, you will likely get nothing but even more confusions, not to mention the fact that the Audiogoners will always politely throw in more choices for you.

Salk rules!!

Beyond that, I got nothin ...