I recently heard the Vandersteen Quattro Wood CT at a friend’s home and I can say with very little reservation that it was the best sound I have heard to date. Not heard the brands like Wilson or other comparable exotic brands but the experience listening to these speakers was boderline religious. They were paired with his spanky new Audio Research VSi75 integrated and a very basic Bluesound Node2 streamer running through an Ayre Codex. Simply breathtaking and within OP’s budget.
Speaker recomendation
I just bought a second home and the room where the new system will go is quite large (60’x20’) with a wall of windows. I’m looking for a pair of speakers that will be more for listening in position close to the system but that can still move enough air for when we have lots of people over. Budget is about $10-15K for an amp and speakers. I have a Moon 340i but fear it doesn’t have enough power to move the speakers I’ll get. I was thinking about Golden Ear reference but my wife and I are more classical and jazz listeners and these are better for rock? Suggestions appreciated!