Best CHEAP floorstanders?


What are the very best biwireable / biampable floorstanders, 90 dB efficient (or better), that have a RETAIL price of $750 (or less)?
gthrush1
PSB Image 4T
See the review in the Stereophile.com Archives, check the measurements for efficiency. a local sroe here in NH has them for sale at $499. A friend bought them and they sound very good. Neutral and not boomy.
PSB Image 4T (http://www.psbspeakers.com/s/ImageSeries.html)
which list for $649. And the larger 5T is only $799.

If you'll consider used instead of new, the possibilities are much greater. You may be able to snag a pair of Triangle Antal XS speakers within your budget.
Try the KEF Cresta III's. I have a pair and am selling a pair too. I have to say these are great Two-Way speakers!! I have had a pair of PSB Stratus Bronze speakers and the KEF can hang in there with them! If you haven't yet tried them, don't knock them.
Give a listen to the PSB's and the NHT 2.5i's. Both are good but the NHT's have considerably more bottom end. I have listened to both, but preferred and purchased the 2.5i's.

Some find the NHT's 'bright', but this has a lot to do with associated source, wires and amp. ...A good match is a must.

If you are considering the 2.5i's make certain that you already have (or attain) enough amplifier power. The 2.5i's need an amp with serious control (damping factor). When I first owned my 2.5i's I got away with 70 watts via a Sim Audio I-5 & Rega Planet, paired with Goertz MI-2 wires. Despite being low wattage the I-5 did an admirable job of controlling the 2.5i's. BUT… if you really want the 2.5i's to perform at their full capabilities give them 200 watts a side. It doesn't have to be mega-buck brand X name power (NAD would probably do for you - re: your bang to buck request).

Prior to getting rid of the 2.5's on a whim I bi-amped them with 285 watts (into 6 ohms)to the woofers and 180 watts (into 6 ohms) to the mid/tweeter section. It was in a word amazing! Everything improved. ...And though some would say this is overkill I would tell those folks that it took quite a few thousands more to make a difference that was head and shoulders better in all respects.

There isn't much out there that can touch the 2.5i's for the $... especially for the prices you can find online. While the 2.5i's are far from perfect (need so much power) you can improve the sound quite dramatically with upgrades (as finances permit) all it takes is the $, time and patience. And THAT is quite a bit of the fun of it all.

As for others if you can... also check out the Meadowlark Kestrel/hotrod or Totems (though more $ to performance ratio).

Cheers,
Mike