Speaker help under $2,500

Must second Nola, Vandersteen, Tekton, Sonus Faber, all good. The DeCapo's are good as well, but in my head-to-head competition with them the Tekton wins plus they cost much less. Best, Rob

Eddy, you should take a listen to Omega speakers.  I just committed to Omega Super Alnico Monitors at $1995 (also available as floor standers at I think about $2900).  These are fantastic for human voice and especially female vocals - Rebecca Pidgeon singing Spanish Harlem is just wonderful!  Google Omega Speakers and take a look at the Super Alnico Monitor.  Many owners of Omegas run tubes (especially small watt SETs as the speakers have 93 db efficiency).  I can't believe the quality of the sound for what they cost, simply amazing.

Eddy ,,,

You should be able to get a pair of Legacy Signature III's in mint condition for under $2000. per pair. They are a wonderful speaker that LOVES tubes. At 93db they are easy to drive too. The ribbon tweeter is amazing. 

http://legacyaudio.com/images/uploads/manuals/discontinued/signatureIII.pdf

Here's some reviews:

http://www.audioreview.com/cat/speakers/floorstanding-speakers/legacy-audio/signature-iii/prd_119993...

Might I suggest a pair of Magneplanar .7s ($1.4K) or 1.7s ($2K) augmented by a Magneplanar DWM bass panel ($795) or a small fast powered sub to fill out the bottom and fully energize the room?

I listen to a lot of big band, classical orchestra, and vocal ensemble and my Mag 1.7s are really great on all of them. There is no resonant "hump" around 150-300 Hz, and the panels are phase coherent and really fast for sorting out larger ensembles.

The 1.7s won out in our auditions against several other speakers when my wife could pick out the 8-part vocal harmonies in a Mendelssohn oratorio. I throw everything at it--Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, Count Basie, Roger Wagner Chorale, Louie Bellson, Sinatra with Basie, Nelson Riddle, or Billy May behind him, Roger Wagner Chorale, Norman Luboff Choir, Manhattan Transfer. You name it, these Maggies bring it.

JL Audio now has an entry-level line, the Dominion series. Their subs are fast enough to blend well with panel speakers. Their 8" d108 powered sub (http://www.jlaudio.com/d108-ash-home-audio-dominion-powered-subwoofers-96281) has an MSRP of $799.99. It also has a variable phase control (0-280deg) which I find essential for getting a seamless blend from a dynamic powered sub.

Maggies are an easy load for an 80-100wpc tube amp if it has 4-ohm taps.

For a dynamic speaker with speed, clarity, and good bass reach, the Monitor Audio  Silver Series 10 Floorstander at $2K/pair (http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=MRSS10) should also give you everything you're looking for in your price range.