ghasley
Yes all over the place; Yes, never heard most of the FINDs to consider, i.e. be aware of.
I believe you can get more of nearly anything by carefully buying used rather than new.
When I or a friend is looking, or just having fun hopping about: I check eBay and hifishark daily for ’new first’ in categories, IOW, beat others to a great deal when recognized.
I have fun finding interesting things I never knew existed, showing them to both OP and others following along. They have to do their own research of anything that interests them, including asking members here who might have owned/listened to them.
The only speakers I have owned and recommended, the best used choice IMO, are the JSE Infinite Slope Model 2’s. You would need to spend a heck of a lot of money to equal/beat their sound. New Veneer, they would look gorgeous to my eyes.
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I take the long view, patience is required, thus time is required.
OP’s budget is $4k.
GET LISTENING NOW, find something great, in budget, later is a concept I believe in, most here would not consider.
The 98db $400. speakers are a great ’get listening now’ choice. I don’t know if OP or anyone following along has a 2nd system, might create a second system, might give something to a friend or relative, might re-sell, just give it away: just GET LISTENING NOW!
Spend $400. get listening, find a great deal (more than $400 less than other offers, close for pick-up, perhaps save $500. shipping. In the end, patience, the temporary item costs zero or actually saves money, do what you want with it/them.
btw: OP has not stated he prefers new to used, except by inference.