Speaker hunt -> To leave or not Leave Martin Logan Behind

A friend of mine was a big ML fan for many years. He moved up the ladder until he eventually had I believe the ESL12A or something like that, maybe one step down from your 15A (ML products mostly look the same to me so hard to remember). They sounded excellent in his room though.

One day I went to visit and he no longer had those but instead switched to a speaker I was unfamiliar with, the Janszen Valentina. He said after trying a lot of different models, these were the only things he liked better than ML while retaining some of the same characteristics. From my limited time listening I would say they did have the same magical properties but improved impact and immediacy, plus a more organic tone that didn't get obnoxious even with trumpets or other challenging sounds.

He said he tried the passive version with his (really nice) monoblocks but ended up liking the active version better. He felt like that made them an incredible value. No idea of his room or taste is similar to yours at all but maybe Janszen is worth a look?

On the mention of a horn speaker, I would consider the Charney Audio Companions.  They are in your price range with the Vocative AC 2.6 and slightly higher than your price with the uncompromising AER BD3. I think you will be quite satisfied with the sound. 

• Retain a large, dimensional soundstage similar to the 15A (I can't comment on this)
• Strong, controlled low-end performance (Excellent in my system with a pair of SVS 3000 Micros)
• Improved midrange density/impact and overall drive, especially for rock/metal (midrange is unbeatable and so real)
• Better long-term listenability with more dynamic “weight” (I can listen four multiples hours without a hint of fatigue)

Of note, I have mine paired with a SET 45 tube amp. I find ML a bit clinical, so although I listen to similar music to you and feel these speakers do it all in those genres, a live listen would be warranted.  They have a sense of 105 dB, so you could easily trade in the ML and get a beautiful sounding lower wattage amp and use the profit to upgrade to the AER BD3. Charney is located in the NE (? Jersey). I am located in New Orleans and would be happy to let you listen if I am in your area.

Cheers

AXPONA would have ideal to hear different speakers to help find a personality subjective sonic preferences. 

I second the Vandersteen Quatros, I recently moved from Logan classic 9’s in a small room which I really liked but they were too much for the room.  I feared I’d not get that fill the room ambiance that really hits home with stuff like EDM and such but I’ve been blown away by what I’m getting and the detail is way beyond the Logan’s not to mention the pinpoint accuracy in staging. 
I initially tried the Treo CT’s but just got the Quatros and they have all the beauty of the midrange and top end of the treos but include a way solid bass integration.