Best Floorstander Under 10K?

P.S. I also like the Sophia. However the styling is too modern.

Thanks Jphii. Over the past year I've slowly upgraded my entire system--except the speakers and thus the post. Current equipment, which I expect to keep for a good many years, includes:
Audio Research 100.2
Audio Research SP16 w phono
VPI Scout/JMW9/Dynavector 20XH

Speakers will go on the short wall positioned a maximum (unfortunately) of 3 feet out from the wall. Good clearance on the sides--4 feet on one side and on the other the room opens to the dining room. Area rugs over hardwood. Thanks for sharing your suggestions.

Once again, thanks for all your help. Where can I get more info about the Irsky LSA Model 2? Also, Rsquared, thanks for the heads up on the Curves--I hadn't seen any reviews. I'll also look into the new Vandy's. The Model 5's really are quite large (wide at the bottom and deep) I think the Proacs cut a much less noticable presence. Please keep your suggestions coming.

Thanks to everyone and keep the suggestions coming! I've researched a few of the lesser known brands and am happy to have widened my horizons. To those that suggest I keep the Harbeths--I hear you. If it were not for their unattractive appearance and the newly decorated living area, I would be set for life with the Compact 7's. A truly superb speaker, particularly for the money. Vandy 5's are nice, I've heard them and like them a lot. Just too big for the space. To be honest, I'm a little fearful of the Tyler speakers--seems like he just pops the same drivers in different size boxes. Without being able to hear them I'm not comfortable going there. The Krell Resolution seems interesting. I'll try to find those. What about these which no one has mentioned--any thoughts:

Proac D38
Aerial Acoustics 7B
Ruark Solstice
Wilson Benesch Curves

I've heard all but the Curves and D38 (but did hear the old 3.8). Any opinions on these as possible options given my equipment and love of the Harbeth sound?

Personally, I have no problem with anyone posting to promote their own product, provided there is disclosure. In fact, I'm quite interested in hearing about products that are outside the mainstream as they may represent a better value than those that are more well known (and hyped). Larry, please send me some further information and photos.

Well, well. Sorry to have started something here. Actually, I am most intrigued by the last post--a floorstander by Harbeth. Anyone hear it at the CES? If they can pull off a visually attractive speaker that sounds anything like the C7 (or better yet the HL5) I'd be done with this. I am certainly holding my wallet close until I find out more. I heard the Focus 888 at the Hi End Show in NYC last year and thought that was a very, very nice sounding speaker. I hate to sound finicky but I was disappointed in the high gloss finish which, to me, was quite guady. Otherwise a real contender. As for the Verity Parsifal, I heard this a few months ago at Sound by Singer and was woefully unimpressed. A true "audiophile" speaker. Great soundstage and resolution but totally unmusical. Thin and lacking in emotional qualities. As to the argument which has ensued, this seems to have gotten quite personal. As such I agree that relevant parties should move on to more elevated pursuits. Lrsky, still waiting for a link or additional info on your speakers--can you provide?

Philnyc. I agree that the piano black is better, but not by much. The way I see it is you have a fairly traditional looking column with a modern a high gloss finish--it just doesn't work (for me). Any chance of using whatever influence you have to get Focus to offer regular satin wood veneers? I will tell you that the sound in the Focus room was probably the best that I heard at the show. I just couldn't get away from the glaring finish.

Philnyc. I think a distinguished loudspeaker requires some distinctive woods. I feel like the standard maple, cherry, rosewood, etc. would be a little boring (I know, this from the guy who thinks the glossy too loud!). The euculyptus done by Harbeth and others has a really nice look, a honey oak perhaps, and what about something like the rose walnut offered by Aerial Acoustics? Just my two cents. By the way, where can I hear the Focus speakers again in the NYC metro area? Given the moniker I'm thinking Philnyc must be around here somewhere?! I'd really enjoy checking them out once more now that I have had the opportunity since the show to listen to a variety of other speakers. It would be a good opportunity to recalibrate since I remember the Focus speakers pulling me in the way others have not. Then perhaps a finish option will pop up in the future that I can live with!

Thanks, Classicaudio. I am interested in the D38. I heard the 3.8 once and liked it very much. How does the new series D38 compare? There hasen't really been much out there about the new series.