I'm currently having a crush on the Lipinski L-707.

Be sure to give one a listen.

Their website is www.lipinskisound.com

They image like crazy - nice for the application you seem to imply.

What else in 5K country?

I'm a planar speaker lover, so check out whichever Magnepan speaker might fit your budget.

Also, Soundlab sells demo's via their site. Google them and see what's near your price point.

Gotta mention the DeVore speakers, too - maybe saving the best for last?

I can honestly claim to have heard the entire line and they all sound so good I get "acquisition anxiety" wanting them at my house. They are that good.

http://www.devorefidelity.com/

Impeccable. I like them enough to tell someone to just go out and buy them.

Let us know how this goes.

If you get a chance to listen to the Osprey by Meadowlark you should.
http://www.meadowlarkaudio.com/index.html
http://www.meadowlarkaudio.com/osprey.htm

You could get a pair of the outstanding Blue Heron 2s for $6500, that's half price.

www.legacyaudio.com

This is not a direct answer to your question, but there are lots of great speaker deals on www.audiogon.com

I have bought a lot of used gear, but I know that market isn't for everyone.