Considering Towers in the $3000 range

You can view buying used as in home addition. I bought a pair of Quads and compared them against my existing Focals before I moved the Quads on down the road.   Didn't have any trouble selling them.  You can try 2 or 3 pair and still save money over new.  But of course its tricky.  lot of factors to consider. 

Is your amp a SLI-100 integrated? How "large" is your room? Avoid "home theater" and "party" designed type of speakers. The best 2 examples could be the Monitor Audio Silver 500 7G or the Sonus Faber Lumina V. Have not heard the 500 7G but was impressed with the Lumina at <$3000. I’m considering a Nova 2 as an upgrade from my Focus Audio FS8. If your music tastes are >33% current pop/metal/hip-hop/techno the Monitor Audio should have the edge. Jazz/classical/well recorded music would favor the Sonus Faber due to class leading tonality/timbre.

A big room?  Efficient needed.

Horn speakers can be high priced based on your budget.  I bought Crites.  They require finishing(possible show stopper for some.  Currently they are $2200 delivered.  The speakers set up properly are very good sounding and 100 dB efficient.

I have seen these veneered and they are beautiful.  Mine are clear coated Baltic Birch.  My last speakers, unless I  move to smaller place.

MA for sure. If you HAVE to have a tower.

+1 I go with Double Impact or Moab.