I wanna rock -- with monitors on stands


I am currently running 2012 Reference 3A MM de Capo i's sitting on 26 inch four post Sound Anchors. My front end is a VPI Classic 3 with a Lyra Delos cartridge (a marriage made in heaven, by the way). I have a McIntosh C50 preamp and a McIntosh MC275 mk. 6 amp.

I listen almost exclusively to 70's and 80's rock, new wave, and punk. The Reference 3A's have been awesome. I much prefer them to the ProAc Response D2's I replaced. (Better imaging, more air, better bass, more efficient). Is there more of that? Can I trade up to even more air, imaging and bass? An even more lively sound? Floor standers are out the question. My budget for new used speakers cannot exceed $4500. Your thoughts appreciated.
128x128clockmeister714
I also recommend the dynaudios for what you are looking for. Proacs are not my cup of tea and dynaudio is. I have the C4s and they rock for sure. The amount or sound that will come out of a pair or C1s will surprise and I think your amp is up to the task. You can get plenty of bass from the C1 as well as a refined sound that will play acoustic music just as well.
IMO what your seeking is something along JBL/Altec status.The music you listen to in most cases is poorly mixed and mastered,even on LP.To throw cash at monitors and a sub in most cases is a big waste ie Dynaudio C1 and f110 combo.I have tons of that music left over from my youth,before I found the true light of day in jazz and it all sounds like crap.Fun at times but nothing I would spend high dollars building a system for...You wanna rock..JBL/Altec/Tannoy..spend a grand on some JBLs and call it a day..just my opinion
I second the Joseph Audio Pulsars. Tough to find on the used market and they usually go for more than your budget. Pretty stunning speaker however.