What should I be auditioning?


I'm now looking for a speaker under $2,000 (floor standing or monitor) that will be used 75% for music and 25% for home theater. Ideally looking for a speaker that will have a wide soundstage and is not fatiguing. My musical tastes are pop, alternative, r&b, little hip hop. I don't listen to classical or jazz (yet).

What should be on my short list of speakers to audition?? Would appreciate suggestions.
bello
Agree with Aerial 10T, and would also add Aerial 7b and 8. I had the 8 in main system currently have 7b in home theater. All three are outstanding and available at relatively low prices.
Look for local, you can usually get better deals that way, with cash n' carry. That way you get to listen to them first too, and most sellers don't want to worry about shipping big speakers. I got a great deal on the pair of Soliloquy 6.3i's I'm using now that way.

If I was in the market today, I'd snap these Audio Physics Virgo II's up.
Given your price range, you would have a hard time getting something better that a pair of Vandersteen Model 2's.
You didn't say what amp will be powering the system or the size of the room.
But in your price range is the Totem Dreamcatcher (monitor, $1200) and Totem Arro (fullrange, about $1700). Both feature remarkable soundstaging, non-fatiguing. But you will need a subwoofer.