i'd check out the avantgarde duo's, sometimes awailable used , at or below your price-range (for their latest wersion; the earlier wersion is even less $$$). as this speaker is outta my price-range, i am going to get a custom-tweeked pair of the newform research 645r's - check out their www, & the reviews on audioreview. especially interesting on the audioreview comments are the associated equipment used (not yust the speakers). doug
speaker upgrade
It is time to upgrade my speakers. I am currently using Audio Physic Virgos. I am impressed with the speed and detail. They even have decent bass after I learned how to drive them properly. The current choice is an upgrade to Audio Physic Calderas, but before I spend that much money, I am looking for other suggestions. I have auditioned and rejected Hales Transcendance, Dunlavy Mark 4A, and Martin Logan Monoliths. The system is an upgraded McCormick DNA-1 amp, Placette full active preamp, Audio Research CDT-1 and DAC3 Mark II. Power cables and interconnects have been upgraded. Budget is $12k. Any suggestions, picks or pans?