Best Speakers new/used for around 2k

slinker, since you asked for input on your specific canditates, this joe blow offers the following:
1. psb synchrony is a great, well-balanced speaker with no discernible flaws and a very good value. the pmcs are also very, very good, with excellent low end extension, and would be my other top choice.
2. the proac response is also excellent; very lively; good rock and roll speaker; fussy about placement and might not sound good with your current denon receiver;
3. i personally don't like the b&ws.
4. the mls and the magnepans both need a ton of power and a sub; i think a more conventional dynamic design will serve you better.
5. i haven't heard the gershmans or zus, either; both get a lot of play on these forums and would certainly be worth checking out.
happy spending!!!

Thanks for the input, it helps narrow down the field.

regards,
Steve

I would add the ProAc 1sc with a good pair of stands.

The new Proac Studio 140 MK2

Thanks for the advice and agree. Do you love or hate any of the aforementioned? Just trying to narrow down the field a little.

The only direct experience I have with any speakers on your list is with the Zu Druids which I tried in several different systems and absolutely hated them. Left be baffled as to why anyone would like them. FWIW.

I've liked all the Proac speakers I've heard at shows very much, but cannot recall if the two models you mention have been among them.

My friend was very impressed with the Maggie 1.7's recently, pushed by only 100 watts (light power for Maggies). Definitely cat bait though. I think the Maggies may have a narrower sweet spot and might require a bit more room to breath, and may be more sensitive to the wall behind them. That based on experience with other models, and NOT the 1.7's.

My opinion is that you should listen yourself and figure out which works best for you. The Zu's for instance, seem to be liked by many folks, but if you go on my opinion you may be losing out on what might occur to you as a really great speaker for you. I've also tried the Benchmark DAC 1 in two different forms and am equally baffled as to why anyone would like that DAC...yet plenty of folks do. So what's the use of a poll like this? You may be narrowing down selections that really would work well for you. If you are replacing your amp it would be a very good idea to consider exactly which amp you will replace it with in order to pair it off with the speakers you choose. That link is pretty important, as you probably are aware.

Good luck!