From KEF 103.2 to Harbeth 30.1 and back....Your advice sought.

103.2 my very first audiophile speakers with an ads system. I loved them. I tried many different studio monitors and they lacked the oomph as well. I’m now running vintage altec model 19s with some tube equipment and couldn’t be happier. Was listening to the cowboy junkies/lay it down and couldn’t believe how it sounded. Puts a smile on my face every time I turn my system on. I’m only into it for 5k. Cheers

As much as I’m a fan of the thin-walled, BBC style speakers from Harbeth and similar ilk, they don’t have hard hitting dynamics when compared to brands of more contemporary design. This is very obvious in side-by-side comparisons, but is also easy to ignore once you become accustomed to their gorgeous midrange.

I’m thinking the KEF Reference line might strike a good balance between these traits, but you certainly can’t get them for $3500...well, maybe a used pair of 1’s with some luck. Another speaker I suspect might be up to the challenge is Ascend Acoustic’s Sierra 2.

Epos speakers are very dynamic but sacrifice some of that midrange perfection.

I’ve been listening to Klipsch Heresy IIIs the last few nights and doing back-to-back comparisons with my Spendors (which have the best midrange I’ve heard, yet are also warm) and they’re surprisingly similar in tone. Not at all fatiguing like the early Heresys allegedly were; however, they do have a more forward and "live" presentation. Where they really excel is with rock, especially classic rock, but they also do great with classical, blues, and jazz. Their bass dynamics (albeit not extension) is hard to beat. If you want to hear a fast, hard-punching attack of a kick-drum at 90+ db, Heresys are the ticket. Yes, they are floor standers by definition but they integrate with my living space better than most stand mounts ever could.

I'd suggest the Klipsch Heresy as well.  Maybe add a sub if desired. 

If you ever see a used pair of JBL 4319 monitors, jump on 'em.

B&W 805D3? [incidentally I have a pair for sale here]