2-Way Floorstander, $1500

Check out the Coincident Conquest.

I like the Vandy 3a's as well. But I'll tell you what, if you've got the room and you can get good samples, you've gotta try and Apogee Stage (with stands, $900), Apogee Caliper Signature ($1000, no stands necessary), Apogee Duettas Signatures ($1500, no stands necessary) or the Maggie 1.6QR ($1100, no stands necessary). Except for the Duetta Signatures, you have money left over for a good, cheap used sub like the Velodyne FRS-12.

AND if you're using digital x-overs and amps, the Apogees are IIIdeal for active biamping (requires bypassing the internal x-overs...not that big of a deal, especially with the Stage).

Good luck

I should have stated that my recommendation of the Proac Studio 250's was based on used price. I think they retail for about $4000.00 new.

If you have space...I would be tempted to try Maggie 1.6s...

On the basis of pure sonics, you won't find anything much better than the Vandersteen 2ce or 1c in your price range. However, they are not very good looking speakers. If you want a nice wood finish, suggest you investigate the Vienna Acoustics Bach. THe Proac Studio series may also work but they are hard to find. Also hard to find, but nice looking and good sounding is the Ruark Prologue.