I understand you want a floorstander and really liked the Dali ikon 6, but are you open to monitors at all? For under 2k, the Dynaudio X16 bookshelves are quite good and easy to drive, even with a receiver. The next one up is the X32 which garnered great reviews:
http://whathifi.com/Review/Dynaudio-Excite-X32/
X16s shown in gloss white.
Are you in the City of Chicago or in the burbs?If you're in the City, Promusica by clark and fullerton is quite a reputable dealer and if you're in the burbs, then Nextlevel AV is in bartlet, IL- they are absolutely great to deal with.
I do have Dynaudio Focus 110 speakers that'll give floor standers in the $1500range a run for their money.