Here's a TRUE "best monitor" that is priced ridiculously low for it's performance level:
If you can stretch $200 over your budget limit, my vote goes toward the GR Research Ribbon Criterion monitor kit with enclosures (easy to assemble). These babies would cost close to $4,000 retail if they were sold by dealers (due their ultra high level of content and absolute top line "cost no object" parts content). Most $1,000 monitors have less than 20% of this cost level in their total parts content. The Criteron speakers have no "cost saving shortcuts" whatsoever comparatively.
These monitors are designed with one of the best ribbon tweeters in existence! Their custom made woofers handle quite a bit of power, have a very high break up point, and seamlessly integrate with the ribbons IMHO. In terms of the crossover components, I've seen $10,000 highly regarded speakers use crossover parts which aren't nearly as good! Basically, the Criterion's crossovers use the best parts you can buy for any price.
I'm veeeeeeeery impressed with their designer Dannie Richie as he really knows how to voice a speakers right. The only drawback I can think of is that the Critereons need a sub to sound completely full range (but what monitor can't benefot from the addition of a sub?).
Again, I realize the Criterions are slightly over your budget, but in my opinion these speakers are soooooo much better than many monitors costing over $2,000 that I felt compelled to mention them! I know of no other monitor that gives you so much perfection for so little money.
