$165k - $200k speaker performance for $40k ?

To answer the question in general the answer is yes. I know at least one speaker that will do it - and at $13-15k not $40k:
http://www.stereo.net.au/forums/index.php?/topic/46808-lenehan-ml-ii-reference-limited-edition/
http://www.stereo.net.au/forums/index.php?/topic/48083-cafad-and-damo-visit-mikes-place/

However that is not the real issue in your situation IMHO - its if you will like them. It doesn't matter how good a speaker is it will not be everyone's cup of tea. For example Willco in the last link I gave doesn't like Majico (neither do I for that matter) - to his ears both the speakers mentioned in the link (ML2 Limited Editions) and the Rockports he owns are way better. Dont worry about if it will be the equal of some uber expensive stuff - listen to stuff to get what you like. Take your time - its not a race.

Forget about trying to equal stuff you have read about - you may not like them anyway. Instead listen to stuff you can afford and pick what you like best. Also some Rockport gear is in your price range - give them a listen - guys whose ears I trust tell me they are uber good. Of course the Limited Editions in my links would be a great speaker for you to hear but unfortunately unless you are out in Aus where I am its highly unlikely you will get the chance.

Thanks
Bill

My Silverline Preludes cost $400, my REL Q150e was $200...both bought used of course. The sound is splended. I mean really...splended...who knew?

I have the Q3/dual sub system that Soix mentioned..My room is not as large as yours..(26x18x9) and employs substantial treatments and almost no 90 parallel walls...The system was professionally tuned to the room employing some very sophisticated equipment to both place the Q3 as well as the subs. The results are quite good and would definitely consider it as a very very viable option.

Bhobba, you are right on the mark. This is almost another troll post. Just because a speaker is 100,000.00 does not make it great. I will say again don't listen to reviewers and go to as many HI FI shows that you can go to and listen for yourself. You will find that a lot of those speakers you thought were good are not. Please buy what you like and stop talking foolishly.

I am also a fan of Lenehans, but here we're talking 16,000 cubic feet of space. Same thing with Q3s in Jerry's 4,200 cu.ft. room. Apples and oranges.