Speakers for Rock - up to 1kusd

Thank you. Will check it out!

Many thanks for your feedback. So the BW 685 could be a good buy, according to Extravaganza and Cerrot - thought the Dyaundio too, and was afraid that BW were not 'rock' speakers as I've heard many times.

Paraneer: thanks for your honest opinion. And yes, I am conscious that I need to get rid of the Yamaha, but wanted to match the amp according to the speakers I will finally choose, with the feedback from you.

I have seen very good reviews for the Studio 20, but don't know if I need a perfect 'clear' speaker if does not come with a good, or best of breed, bass dynamics.

Many thanks all for your feedback. It is really insightful.

Golden Ears speakers must be top for sure, but out of my budget. I take note of the Paradigm 11 too. Yes, had the chance to talk to Ramones' first album producer and told me they listened to a JBL L100 paired with McIntosch valve amp., but again, out of my budget (at least in my country - Argentina). Thiel and PSB are not available down here.

From your inputs I have now a clear understanding that I will need to update the amp sooner than expected.

Assuming that I get the proper amp. for the speakers I finally choose, what do you conclude after reading the following reviews from Stereophile (Studio 20, MA s6 and X12) and What HiFi (BW 685) - taking into account my only objetive of listening to rock music?

Reviews:

X12 vs Studio 20 vs MA s6:

The Dynaudio Excite X12 had a warmer midbass than either the Paradigm or the Epos, but also a detailed and ambient midrange. The Excite X12's highs, however, were silkier and more laid-back than the Studio 20's—but the Paradigm had superior dynamics at both ends of the audioband.

The Monitor Audio RS6 Silver had a detailed midrange and extended high frequencies, but its highs, especially sibilants, were more prominent than the Paradigm's. However, the RS6's mid- and lower bass were the best of the group in terms of clarity, extension, and dynamic slam.

-BW 685 s2: The soundstage is wide and deep, enveloping you in a richly detailed, subtly dynamic and cohesive performance, whether you’re playing Aerosmith, Lorde or a Hans Zimmer soundtrack.

The deep and taut bass is particularly impressive. Play Led Zeppelin’s Whole Lotta Love and the bass notes are so rich and powerful that it almost feels like there’s a subwoofer in the room.

While the 685 S2s don’t make too much of a fuss with hard or bright recordings, give them a pristinely recorded album and they truly shine.
Switch to Radiohead, and the stop and start of notes are definite, rhythm changes are handled with confidence, and each instrument is conveyed with a great deal of finesse and insight.

They can also go extremely loud with little obvious distortion – we rarely have this much fun listening to music so loudly in our listening rooms.

Thanks gdnrbob. I live in Argentina. Read awesome reviews about the Zu's, but unfortunately there are no dealers in Argentina.

You'll be welcome!

Many thanks to all for sharing your thoughts. I've taken due notes. 

I have auditioned several books in the past few days: Monitor Audio Silver 6 (used floor standing, but the price was good), Sonus Faber Venere 1.5, klipsch, Dali, Focal 807 and the Paradigm Studio 20. Many of them coupled with a Yamaha as-2000 and CA 851. I was completely blown away by the Paradigm, clearly surpassing the rest in detail, soundstage, bass....it seems it has a superior tweeter too. Finish is top noch too. In general, I've found klipsch y Polk fatigating, with less detail and worse treble. The closet to the Studio were the Venere 1.5, imho (maybe they should be 1st choice for jazz). I still want to give the BE 685 s2 a try, due to the awards granted by What HiFi.

Unfortunately, in Argentina we do not have PSB, ATC, PMC and others top-notch names available. I did have the chance a month ago to chat with Miles Showell, engineering at Abbey Road and responsible for the latest reissues of some classic albums cut at 45 rpm...and he told me he had PMC speakers at home. So guess that a PMC 21 or 22 should be a serious option, requiring a higher budget too.
 
In the end, I am 95% certain to go with the Studios. Let's see if the BW make me change my mind.

As for the amp, I'd like to go with the Sansui au-717, which also have a very good phono stage and in general goes well with rock music. I'd not like a more laid-back amp. 

I will keep you updated with my final choice.

Many many thanks again to you all dor taking your time in giving your insights!

Yes, I have contacted an importer to bring the Zu, but shipping is really high.

Yes, in Argentina there are quite a lot highly regarded repair shop, as the vintage community is extensive. What other amplifier would you recommend? Arcam FMJ 19, for instance?

Thank you!

Hello,
Yes, I have contacted Zu but shipping goes up the roof unfortunately....

Many thanks to all! Yesterday I went to buy the Paradigm, but they have ran out of stock!. So I will start looking to each and every book suggested here again, and try to bring them over from the US. I will most probably buy used ones...very interesting insights from all of you!