Best $10-15K bookshelf speaker?

@tomic601 imo, the e1tx floorstander is the sweet spot for tad w.r.t bang 4 buck. I had the original reference og from Andrew in the past for quite a while, but, sold it to finance other things. If you put some effort into incorporating subs with the e1tx and perhaps not listening at rocket explosion levels, you can make it sound like the reference model.

The TAD are lovely as are many of the speakers i have heard mentioned above by others. I do use a JL sub w them and my room volume is 5K cubic ft. Obviously system synergy can ruin / tame / optimize just about any speaker. Finally, without writing a long gushing biased by ownership review…i am impressed enough to seek out more TAD products to audition, add to my systems…including possibly replacing my reference speakers..

I don't understand why the Vandersteen VLR CT's haven't been mentioned. To be honest, I was a skeptic, but when I finally got them it was game over. Add a sub if you don't want to place them near corners, but these little guys can rock. And, considerably less than $15K.

Bob

@deep_333 Thanks. I have a set of TAD 1603 LF drivers w cabinets, etc in work.. lots of options for nuance with no need for high spl…. unless all that beryllium impacts my hearing….

I generally don't mention things I haven't personal experience of, but the Thrax Siren sounds like a potentially excellent speaker in that price range.

Sonus Faber Amatori might fit the bill ... 

https://www.overtureav.com/brands/speakers/bookshelf/sonus-faber-bookshelf/sonus-faber-electa-amator-iii/