Sonus Faber Cremona Auditor M. Not only are they fairly sensitive (88 dB) for a stand-mount and incredibly cohesive, they are also drop dead gorgeous, and might get your wife interested in home audio.
TAS review
What HiFi review
Home Theater Review review
Tech Radar review
The reason many small speakers have limited dynamic range is because they try to squeeze bass extension out of the small cabinet by padding down the sensitivity of the midrange and above. The Cremona Auditor M, however, doesn't try to go there; the fact that you're willing to use a sub (or two) works in your favor. By not trying to get that last half octave of extension, the Cremona Auditor M has a sensitivity of 88 dB and can handle up to 250 watts. These translate into room-filling dynamic range. And they'll sound large when supplemented with a good sub.
They're enough under your budget that you could afford a good sub (or two) to go with them. Think about a JL Fathom F110.
TAS review
What HiFi review
Home Theater Review review
Tech Radar review
The reason many small speakers have limited dynamic range is because they try to squeeze bass extension out of the small cabinet by padding down the sensitivity of the midrange and above. The Cremona Auditor M, however, doesn't try to go there; the fact that you're willing to use a sub (or two) works in your favor. By not trying to get that last half octave of extension, the Cremona Auditor M has a sensitivity of 88 dB and can handle up to 250 watts. These translate into room-filling dynamic range. And they'll sound large when supplemented with a good sub.
They're enough under your budget that you could afford a good sub (or two) to go with them. Think about a JL Fathom F110.