help me decide speakers for two channel audio

In that price range and box style, I would seriously consider EgglestonWorks Andra III. I have the Fontaines, and they are exquisite. I added two powered subs to mine because they are only the top three drivers of the Andra - they are missing the bottom woofer. I wanted a pair of Andras but could only afford the Fontaines, so instead I added a pair of 12" woofers via the subs. I like to think of my setup as a "poor man's" Andra. Had I the money, I'd buy the Andras in a heartbeat. Here is a review from 2010:

http://www.ultraaudio.com/equipment/egglestonworks_andraiii.htm

You'll get a lot of great advice but buying speakers without an audition is the crap shoot to end all crap shoots.

All the best,
Nonoise

I second the Egleston, but at that price point I'd LOVE
Rockport. I think they're much more coherent...well, they
sound better...than any of the 3 you listed.

These are on Agon, but may be too big for you

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/full-range-rockport-
technologies-mira-grand-2-demo-full-warranty-2014-01-02-
speakers-94109

I have both the Nautilus 802 and the Sophia ones in my home now and have had them both in my two channel system over the past 6 years. Let me say they are both great speakers and I could live with either for the rest of time. My preference though would be the Sophia ones for there ease of listening on all music I throw at them. My system is and will be for years to come consist of VTL MB125s,Audible Illusios Modulas 3B pre w/the John Curl moving coil stage, Wilson Audio Sophia 1, VPI Super Scoutmaster/Dynavector DRY XV1 cart and a Wadia 26/8 combo for digital. At times I swap out the Modulas with a Lamm LL2.1 pre with an Allnic 1201 phono. Please bear in mind my Sophias are the ones and not the improved Sophia two's.