???YOUR Personal Favorite???Why???

Dynaudio Contour 20

Way under budget, but I’ll never forget listening to Rogers studio 1 with a mission Cyrus 2 and PSX power supply.

Closer to $15k Fleetwood DeVille

Currently,,,,, Tangband W8-1808 in custom sealed cabinet (they are 8"single driver full range no x-over). Supported by dual SVS SB1000 pro subs (cuz the full range drivers just don’t have bass). These have blown me away with well recorded vocals, jazz, ambient, acoustical music. Wide soundstage, great stereo separation and a midrange I never expected or experienced. Granted, I have not heard many big dollar systems but I feel they compete more than would be expected.

Feed by a budget system with high end pedigree.

Fischer & Fischer SN 70's. 

I recall reviewing a set of ATC 19 speakers about 8 years ago I liked a lot. And this is a foolish thin since I haven't heard them but I do believe in measurements, especially when they are extraordinary, Ex Machina makes 3 powered 3 way speakers that cost under your price limit that would be an absolute must hear if I was in the speaker market today.