I love my 3s. I spent a good deal of time auditioning the Paradigm Reference 20s and the PSB 2Bs, as well as the Klipsch RB5s. They will stand with any of these. Like you, they were at the top of my affordability range and they enabled me to obtain a quality of sound that was not affordable with other brands. Not a moment of regret since their purchase.
On a seperate note, what was your experience like with the NAD 3020? I'm considering picking one up used.