Used full-range speakers less than $1,500

Used vintage Snell is always a good choice. Type A (1-111), Type B, C (1-5). In the C group the C-IV And C-V are the best choices IMHO. The type D is a slightly smaller version of the C-V and sound good also.
Good Luck

Eminent Technology 8,although requires a lot of power to drive.

i thought about von vr4 or vr4 jr spkrs; however, they are approaching 10 yrs of age as well and my need new surrounds, etc...

is the vr4 or vr4jr better than the alon ii or alon lotus elite?

Add Von Schweikert's VR-4 to the list. They can be had in your target price range and are true full range speaker that is easy to drive. They really are an enormous value.

Good Luck,

Greg

What about Gershman Avant Garade's used they maybe had for under 2k?

Ohm Walsh are spectacular in that price range. They replaced Alon Model V in my system which I loved very much. The V's have been sitting in the corner for the past 6 months and I haven't missed them.

Of course, everyone's ears are different. But, based on my own experience, and my own ears, I'd keep an eye out for a pair of Ohm Walsh speakers, the more recent, the better. The current model for a room your size would be the Walsh 1000, which sells new for about $2K, so if you can find them used, they ought to be in your range. IME (I own the Walsh 2000), they would fit your requirements as far as sound quality is concerned.

I like the Alon/Nola line up too. Maybe you should put Vandersteens on your list too.

As is often recommended in this forum, I have to go with the PSB Stratus Goldi which can be easily had for <$750 (probably due to costly shipping because of their size). If you can find a pair locally, you should be able to get a great deal!

They are a 4 ohm load and require "healthy" power and current to get them on song - nothing ridiculous, but definitely over 100 wpc. An amp that delivers around 100 wpc into 8 ohms and doubles into 4 ohms would be a good choice.

I've had mine for a while now and can't see myself giving them up especially when I consider what I'd have to spend to surpass their performance - a boatload!!!

Good luck!