Coming in at a buck under your upper limit is the Eminent Technology LFT-8b. Similar to the Maggie 1.7 and .7 in being a magnetic-planar dipole, but with a push-pull design and structure (magnets on both sides of the Mylar diaphragm, resulting in greater linearity and less distortion), and an 8" cone woofer for frequencies 180Hz and lower. It also presents a more tube-friendly 8ohm load to your power amp than does the current hungry 4ohm Maggies.
