Aerials! I run a VK-200/VK-30 and the combo is beautiful with the Aerial 10Ts. For the budget you describe you might seek out used 7Bs. The VK-200 has power plenty to spare with 200W into 4. I don't run out of juice at all even in a 15 x 18 room. Wonderful timbre and dynamics.
Speakers for BAT equipment
I have a BAT VK-3i pre, VK-200 power, Meridian 508.20 cdp, transparent interconnects and spk cables. I listen to anything except rap and country. I was considering Paragon Regents for a long time until I read some reviews on Newform Research. I'm also thinking about Thiel 3.6 and Merlin VSM. Does anyone have recommendations for the best combination? Price range is around $2500, used. Thanks in advance.