Speaker recommendation. have $2,500

Blazerfan,

Are you in Portland? If so, some great stores in your area to demo speakers - Fred's carries Gallo, Paradigm, Thiel and Totem. Stereotypes also in Southeast is a nice store with knowledgeable and low pressure staff that carry a number of the products discussed above. Pearl carries Dynaudio, which I assume you've already heard.

Add Tyler Acoustics to your list.Isn't this fun?

How about some Mag 1.6 planars with a sub?

How about Usher speakers. I have the x719 and really like them. I have heard Ushers floor standers and think they are excellent.

If you can find a clean pair, the Dynaudio 3.3's are actually quite good speakers, and they go for roughly $2,500-$3,000 used. They are also less forward than the C1/C2/C4, which is what many people find off putting about the sound of those models.

Of course, this recommendation assumes that you like the Dynaudio house sound, which you must if you like the C4's.