Searching for the most "accurate" speaker (below 15K)

Marty is correct. My experience with ATC is they are quite flat but have rolled off treble above 12K. So actually their soft dome tweeters are polite compared to other metal dome tweeters that extend higher.

The main thing with ATC is that the mid range has no dip or scoop. This means distortion and compression in modern pop rock can sound harsh on an ATC compared to the usual scooped midrange of the vast majority of speakers (B&W is prototypical). This translates to a more forward sound (close to the stage) than most smiley EQ speakers with a scoop.

Perhaps this is what Dave means by bright. I think Dave has the ATC 40 which is mid range in ATC domestic range. The larger ATCs actually have even more massive drivers - the 3 inch mid range “super” model is heavy (20 lbs).

Audiotroy:
I need not prove my hearing capabilities to you. Nor are you entitled to waste my time proving anything to you, a naked Persona shill here on Audiogon. Are you paid an extra commission to sell them? I'm not entitled to that answer so don't bother.
If @vermeer wants to pm me about any of my encounters with the Personas which are very good speakers overall, I'll be happy to oblige.

Easy - studio monitors like ATC SCM 50, PMC MB2, Grimm LS1
consider active versions - best bang for buck

Grgr4blu i am sure you are the expert on accuracy in all matters of life.

Oh by the way you are hijacking the thread.

how about something like a series one magico s3 - there were a few here that had a price in the 11-14k range. the series one s1 could be had at well below budget there is/was an s1mk2 listed a week or so back in the same price range.

if you want something less "straight to the source", raidhos might be up your alley. the ceo told me he likes pairing them with nagra (along with a few other brands)

dealer disclaimer: i carry raidho, but i do not carry magico