What Is the best pair of speakers under 3k??

I second the M20s. But, you're splitting hairs at this level. Depends on what you like, and how they blend with your system. You got one, high class problem. For every one of me there will be one of the Thiel, then one of the N805s and then and then.....Remember; with the M20s, like the 805s, stands are mandatory. Good ones at that. Revel's stands are poor and the 805s are not much better. Just something to consider when considering $$ with monitors/speakers. With a sub, killer stands, and the M20s: I have arrived. Of course some great electronics, help, as well. peace, warren

RTP,

You are describing my exact experiences. I have recently been speaker shopping about 12 years after I purchased my current speakers and was pleasantly surprised about the quality of speakers in that price range. I also was impressed by the Aeon and 2.3, I also really liked the Snell XA 60 and the Aerial 7's. Those are the speakers that have made by first cut.

I was also surprised at the sheer professionalism and salesmanship of three dealers and bemused at a three others. I went to one shop which sold Legacy as its high end speaker, but didn't have an amp to demonstrate any speakers.

I received a lot of solid advide and good salesmanship at other dealers.

Richard Bischoff

BEST ? well that's got to do with your taste, system and cash flow. Totem Forests, Proac D-15, Chesky etc etc for starters. Confusion over what to buy/audition is what high audio is all about. You will find you can live with most speakers in the 3K range but you might never be happy. Good luck....

Also look into Harbeth and JM Reynaud. (Don't be fooled into size.)

As Kthomas has already mentioned above, your budget will allow you to consider the Vandersteen 3A speakers, which retail new for $2800. If you are willing to buy used speakers, then you can often find the Vandersteen 3A Signatures (retail price $3500) for around $2400 (and sometimes less). At the $3000 point, you owe it to yourself to audition the Vandy 3A / 3A Sig's, even if you ultimately decide they are not for you. (As an aside, the Vandy 2CE, 3A Signature, and Model 5's are all included on TAS's "Recommended Components" list, and the 2CE's and 3A Sig's are chosen as "Best Buys".)

The Vandersteen web site has a list of their dealers around the country. For the dealer list, here's the link:
http://www.vandersteen.com/pages/dealer_dist_intro.htm