Best speakers for my system/taste/budget?

I'd suggest you consider Maggies, possibly the little MMG's. Let me explain:

For a given sound pressure level at the listening position, a dipole will put 5 dB less bass out into the environment. That means you can listen 5 dB louder before your neighbor starts banging on the ceiling.

In addition, Maggies are utterly boxless and have very nice timbre. You can tailor the top-end by using resistors (supplied). Maggies are voiced warm and forgiving, and while there are other speakers that do a better job of pinpoint imaging, Maggies give you a very good sense of acoustical space (ambience).

Maggies aren't perfect, but they do a very good job with many of the things you value. You didn't mention this, but Maggies have fewer annoying little colorations that remind you you're only listening to speakers. To me, that's a big part of being able to close your eyes teleport to the performance.

Best of luck in your search.

Agree with Seandtaylor99 about the LS3/5a, with the only question being your taste for rock. Also, they tend to go for around $800 here and on ebay (I have 2 pairs of the original Rogers 15-ohm type, so I tend to notice).

I recently picked up a used pair of Spendor S3/5s used for $600, which I think might actually beat the LS3/5as. Slightly warmer sound, soundstage a little deeper and fuller on the bottom. Think you'd like the top. Need stands, as several of the other recommendations do, so have to factor them in to your budget. There's a very favorable review on the EnjoytheMusic.com site.

Spica TC-50 or TC-60 (less desirable). Cheap used; around $250. TC-50 soundstages exremely well; speakers disappear. Top is rolled but not dark sounding. Mids are clean, so it's up to your electronics- use tubes for warmth (Rogue 88 would be excellent with this speaker). A very fast detailed speaker that has a lively sound even at low volume levels. Well suited for apartment listening.

JBL S38...i am a JBL fan i think many ppl dont know much about their company or productrs and dont consider, but i am very happy. Its a 8" 3 way monitor and can be found for that price, just a suggestion :-)

Happy Listening

I heard the S38 the other day and was impressed. I have not liked JBL's past speakers, but the S38s are well balanced, pleasant sounding speakers with good bandwidth. I do not know how well they soundstage as they were placed in the top corner of a store. But the midrange was smooth. They also seemed okay in the highs, but, ya' know, i was way off-axis. Also look in to B&W. They have a great soundstage, and good detail. Thier mids are really good, but are dry, not warm. I have not heard many, maybe any, speakers in your range that are particularly rolled off. You may have to address that in your amplification. Maybe the MMGs are better in this department than dynamic speakers, but i have never heard them. Good luck