Floorstanders for $3500

Well the last pair of Infinity IRS Beta's on the 'Gon sold for about $4900, so if you up your budget just a bit, you could get a pair of speakers which would spank all the speakers mentioned so far.

I have the PSB Imagine T2, they are a great all around speaker that can be purchased for under $2K for a used pair. The bass is surprising for a small speaker and they are regularly included on the Stereophile list of recommended components.

I use them with a tubed amp (Rogue Cronus Magnum), from the 4 ohm taps with no issues.

Add me to the Venere 3.0 recommendations. I heard the 2.5s extensively and their ability to draw you into the music--any music--is compelling. The 3.0s are that much better with increased linearity, dynamics, and frequency extension. Their nominal impedance is 6 ohms.

I just read Manley's info on the Retro Monoblocks, and the output taps are optimized for 5 ohms. You couldn't really ask for a better match.

I don't know if WAF is a factor here, but the Venere floorstanders are drop-dead gorgeous as well.

Venere 3.0 Reviews:

o Tone Publications
o 6Moons
o Dagogo
o SoundstateUltra
o Soundstage UltraAudio Q&A (the reviewer bought the review pair)
o Home Theater High Fidelity
o Soundstage HiFi
.
.

Von Schweikert VR33's are a screaming bargain.

Salk supercharged SongTowers or used HT2-TL's will pretty much make your day!