Which is Best loudspeaker in the $1000-1200 range?

If you have a large enough room, magnepan 1.6 speakers placed and driven properly should satisfy your quest. Try them with a classe CAP151 or vintage luxman R117 receiver.

Totem Sttaf - new $1500, Used <$900

GMA Europa - New $995 + ~$200 for good stands; Used <$650 plus stands.

Magnepan MG-12s

IF THE ANSWER CAN BE USED, I have acoustat spectra 33 1990, it was over $4500 original retail, got it for $1000 in canada, another $250 in shipping. I also have an eminent technology Lft 8a at $950 retail is $1700, ohm walsh 2x0 for $400, retail $1100, magnepan .05 for $350, retail $1100, SRSLABS klayman signature $300 retail between $1000-1200. All of these $1000 and under used except the srslabs. couldn't get a better deal.
A used or fairly new bose 901 series 6 is a contender at the $1000 price range. I have owned bose 901 series 5 for $750 new in 1984, they still imaged good throughout the 90's!
my acoustat spectra 33 is hard to beat at that used price considering it was once a flagship WALL OF SOUND when acoustat was around til they came up with the spectra 44/4400, 66/6600 later in the 90's.
eminent technology lft 8a has no comparison, it is 5-10 times better than it's competitors at both used and retail price. OHM has no comparison either, the higher model you go, it too is 5 times or more better than it's competitors in my opinion!

By far the best value in that price range is the Vandersteen 2Ce Signature.