Having used the LV Avatars for years, I moved on to the Acoustic Zen Adagios and am now looking for my final speakers in your price range. I second many of the above suggestions and am planning a trip to RMAF to hear the Daedalus line. I would also consider the Bolero's if I could hear them. Some other suggestions:
Art Deco 8/10 Signature Outside your price range, but the dealer is selling off his Dem models on the Gon. I auditioned them recently in the UK, easy to drive, good soundstage, neutral, good dynamics. In fact, the best I have heard to date.
Coincident Super Victory
Devore Gibbon 9 or super 8
I am sure there are others, but I am looking to hear these. I auditioned the older Coincident Victory 11's against the Art speakers and the latter were obviously superior. I would still like to hear the Suoper Victories.
Art Deco 8/10 Signature Outside your price range, but the dealer is selling off his Dem models on the Gon. I auditioned them recently in the UK, easy to drive, good soundstage, neutral, good dynamics. In fact, the best I have heard to date.
Coincident Super Victory
Devore Gibbon 9 or super 8
I am sure there are others, but I am looking to hear these. I auditioned the older Coincident Victory 11's against the Art speakers and the latter were obviously superior. I would still like to hear the Suoper Victories.