???YOUR Personal Favorite???Why???

Currently,,,,, Tangband W8-1808 in custom sealed cabinet (they are 8"single driver full range no x-over). Supported by dual SVS SB1000 pro subs (cuz the full range drivers just don’t have bass). These have blown me away with well recorded vocals, jazz, ambient, acoustical music. Wide soundstage, great stereo separation and a midrange I never expected or experienced. Granted, I have not heard many big dollar systems but I feel they compete more than would be expected.

Feed by a budget system with high end pedigree.

Fischer & Fischer SN 70's. 

I recall reviewing a set of ATC 19 speakers about 8 years ago I liked a lot. And this is a foolish thin since I haven't heard them but I do believe in measurements, especially when they are extraordinary, Ex Machina makes 3 powered 3 way speakers that cost under your price limit that would be an absolute must hear if I was in the speaker market today.

Graham, LS5/9 on their open stands do everything right for me. Brutally honest monitors paired with the right electronics might be all I’d ever need/want - and although I dont own them, I also find the KEF Referece 1 outrageoisly great for all the opposite reasons I love the Grahams. Two totally different speakers but musically, equally appealing. BTW, both just under $10K. Only my opinion...

My Dad has a pair of Sonus Faber Electa Amator III and they are excellent. They have great bass for a small speaker.  They sound huge and scale like no small speaker has a right to.    Excellent speaker.