so if i want to trade usd for bitcoin and send via a us bank ($5K - $15K), how best to do it? it seems that gox has fallen apart now, what's the best alternative? bitfloor?
Mt. Gox hasn't "fallen apart", but for amounts you are describing they do require that you verify your identity and stay within daily withdrawal limits.
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https://support.mtgox.com/entries/20919111-AML-Account-StatusesAt that buying level you might consider a bulk seller, which would include BitcoinsDirect.com -- however they aren't currently accepting more new buyers just now.
BITSTAMP has liquidity at that level, and accepts USD international wire transfers as well. Others take USD International wire as well, like Bitcoin-24.com (at least not for their BTC/USD market), Bitme, and more but they don't have liquidity anywhere near what you are looking for:
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https://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/Buying_bitcoinsThere are individual traders who either can do this deal or could coordinate with others to do a trade of this size. Knowing your location (e.g., State or metro area) might incent someone near enough to contact you.
Maybe there's some other method you'ld want to consider as well:
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http://en.bitcoin.it/wiki/Buying_bitcoins
