Speakers for metal, hard rock ... also SS amp


I need recommendations for people who play a lot of metal and hard rock. I don't want to be dependent on a sub for the bass slam.

Speakers should be in the $4-8K used range and amp should be high quality.

I don't want it to be too harsh, though, because I ocassionally listen to ambient, female vocals, soundtracks, etc.
mrvegas
I'm driving Nola Viper II+ speakers with a McIntosh MC-162 amp...not your typical headbanger setup, but the combo is unbelievably detailed and tight. Thru this combo, I've had non-headbanger friends remark about how they had no idea how inricate and musical bands like Slayer and Pantera really are.

I also thrashed from Anthrax to Zodiac Mindwarp for 10 years with a pair of NHT 2.5 speakers. Someone mentioned Revels...I heard the F32 model and it's a definite contender too. An Anthem Statement amp or Krell 400i integrated would also be good choices for amplification.

Favorite bands are old Metallica, Exodus, Slayer, Pantera, Suicidal, Priest, early Maiden, Sabbath, Mercyful Fate, and NWOBHM.

There's just no reason headbangers can't be audiophiles.
I assume you want something that can play loud. IMHO most two ways will fall apart if you try to achieve rock concert sound levels. Designs with multiple small (6" drivers) and tuned reflex ports can sometimes compete, however, I find the bass sounds boomy at high levels making the speaker lose balance (even if these designs sound perfectly good at moderate levels).

Something with a 12" woofer or more (a three way) is a must IMHO.

Speaker such as JBL pro line, PMC pro line, ATC actives, Dunlavvy SC-V's, Meyer...
I reccomend a used pair of the original Eggleston Andra's for around $6- 7,000. Depending on the sound your looking for, get a Krell FPB-300 (used $3500) or Mac 402 (used $4,000). The Krell will really rock out but may be a little unforgiving with marginal recordings. The Mac is an all around great amp that's very smooth.