I few years ago I was in the same price range. But I was committed to staying <$4k. i also committed to buying new from my LD because I wanted to in home demo. I settled on Focal 926 and SF Sonetto III. Both in my room at the same time. SF handled voice and strings better but I ultimately chose the 926 for their ability to bloom music throughout the room and had a nice sweet spot at lower listening levels and abilities with a wider range of music. Plus , as I have stated before here, I just could not get over the SF cheezy plastic base and the way it mounted. A year or so later I picked up a pristine pair of QUAD S-5 off Craigslist for super cheap. I was blown away with that products ability to image. I ultimately kept the 926 and sold the S-5. But months later I realized I really missed the S-5 imaging and the beautiful classic styling. I found my listening taste had changed by the speaker itself. I now dont really place a priority on how hard rock music sounds. I emailed the buyer back and told him I would buy them back and he basically said "HAHA Sorry!". I keep and eye on the used market all the time for those Quads. Pair over on USAudio mart now but they are near new. Proly wait until I can get a better deal. I also have the Dynaudio evoke 10 on my HT setup, I like them. I heard some of their higher end product paired up with Octave amps at RMAF years ago, very impressive. One of their full range products would be a possibility someday. Lover their build quality too.
QUAD S-5 review: