Best loudspeaker on the 3k range???

NHT 2.9 have awesome base response and can virtually disappear. They retail for $2500-2700 but dealers will negotiate. NHT makes great speakers throughout their line but high end dealers don't carry them very often. Very underpublicized speakers that are worth checking out.

IMHO, it's the Magneplanar 1.6QR. This option has the added advantage of leaving you with $1,500 change in your pocket.

PSB Gold or Gold i. Beast full range speaker for under 3000 dollars. I have owned B7W 801 and these PSB are not far behind. Wonderful mid-range and solid,accurate base.

Best value is PSB Gold-i, can be purchased new over internet for $1900. JA review in Stereophile says it all. Use the extra money for some good cables, interconnects, or powersnakes Black Mamba power cords!

If your definition of the "3K" range means NEW speakers at retail, then no list should be without the Vandersteen 3A or Vandersteen 3A Signature. With SoundAnchor braces, these two speakers fall within the $2800-$3500 range. If you are looking at the $3K used speaker market, then check out Hales, MartinLogans, Dunlavy, and NHT.