Sealed Monitor Speakers

One thing I noticed about most so called sealed designs is that the Binding posts are not sealed and will let air through this causes a chuffing noise when played loud. If you have a sealed loudspeaker play some bass heavy music loud and place hand over BP most will let air by. I have had good luck removing BP and silconing the back.

Try Danny Ritchie of GR Research's NEO-2X. It easily imo competes with speaker costing $3k. And if you use the right amp there is no need for a sub.

There is a body of opinion out there that many vintage sealed designs are superior to modern day speakers. If you're willing to broaden your scope, you could grab a bargain classic for much less than the numbers bandied about above.
Look for Spica TC-50 of TC-50i and Ensemble Reference. These need stands and if the lowest 2 octaves (20-80 hz) are of importance to you, a sub will be necessary.

Hi Worldwide,

Check out the NSM loudspeakers, all acoustic suspension designs and within your budget.

You can't really go wrong with the ATCs. Just make sure you have lots of juice (min 100W) on tap, well so the theory goes, cos my dealer actually uses tubes to power the SCM35s. And why are you going for the SCM7s when you can go for the 11s? I am sure your dealer can give you some discounts if you pay cash and especially likely in the view of the current economy.