efficiant speaker with good bass?

I'll 2nd the Druid recommendation (my current speakers), but good luck finding a pair for $1500. Also, if your looking for more bass I would 2nd the Klipsch Heritage recommendations, i.e. Cornwalls, LaScallas, or Chorus. All in your price range used.

I've owned the Cornwall's (I & II) and LaScalla's. I regret to this day letting them go. As a matter of fact, I'm on the look out now for nice pair of used Cornwall II or III's to be used in a 2nd two channel system (more than likely tube based). One of the all time great speakers IMO.

I also owned the KLF-30's, but only for a couple of weeks. To my ears they were harsh and hard to listen to, not so with the CW's or LS's. As a matter of fact, except for the Heritage line just about every other Klipsch I've heard sounded a bit harsh (I've not heard many of their recent models).

I'm currently using an Acurus A200 with my Druids with excellent results. Really brings out the bass capabilites of these speakers. The Druids are keepers. Good bass, but nothing like what you will get with the Klipsch (15" bass drivers).

I've not heard the Zu's with tube equipment, but it seems most owners do use tubes for these. However, as Mrjstark mentioned, I too found them to not be quite as sensative as rated. Still very good in this regard.

Jack dotson . I meant used . New ones - I can probably get it for you, for around $2400. I also know that Zu is going to increase they prices - soon .
With Melody, Cybers or CJ they sounded just wonderful. Tubes bring a little extra sweetness that solid state is missing ( at last in Druids case ). Overall great speaker.

I would like to try a pair but I haven't seen a pair used for $1500.00 either. I am sure I will find something, I am still looking at the options.

Fishwater - If you live in New York or New Jersey area, this can be arranged.

Mrjstark, I have been back home to NY the past three weekends in a row, I am in NH.