Best speakers for 2000-USED

The 7.1 is a nice amp. I'd go with a pair of Apogee Duetta Signatures full range ribbons (~$1400). Then get a Marchand electronic x-over (~$300...if you can find one)with a 400 HZ module. The Duettas then can be actively bi-amped. The 7.1 makes it a snap! This setup will be fantastic for the type of music you like.

I second the Magnepan recommendation, but if they are too big and bulky a used pair of Thiels has phenomenal imaging as well.

I'd consider the Triangle Lyrr ($3700 new, about $2000 used). See review at http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/triangle_lyrr_xs.htm

Great advice from Reubent, but I would try and stay with some more sought after companies also if resale is to be an option if you don't care for them. I would have to add B&W to the list for your styles of music. They play everything from heavy metal to jazz to synphony with great results. Remember to keep your objective clear and always have fun buying and trying. Happy listening!

Magnapan 3.6's

Say, today's hifi market is much different than 12 years ago. The secondary market is huge because of the internet and there are several great vendors of used equipment. That said, you can buy speakers,audition them in your home, then resale them if you don't care for them. I've ownerd several speakers over the last 1.5 years and I've lost less than $100 on any pair by resaling them on this site.

(Caution, shipping can be expensive on large speakers)

You will need to first decide if you want floorstanding or stand mounted monitor speakers. Both have benefits. Monitors generally image a bit better and provide a huge soundstage, whereas floorstander generally have a little fuller sound and generally produce more bass. You may need a subwoofer if you choose a monitor. Personally, I prefer monitors, but that's just my style. I could never even suggest that one is better than the other for your application.

So, if I had $2000 "burning a hole in my pocket" I would look for a pair of used speakers from Tyler Acoustics, Dynaudio, Silverline or possible the new Triangle Celius(new for $1995) among others. I would be patient, keep my eyes open for a good deal, then jump on them. If I listened for a couple of weeks/months and they didn't move me, I would resale them on this site and start over again. However, you may find that you love your first pair, and stop there! I've bought many great speakers for 50% of list or less and all were in excellent condition.

Have Fun,

TIC