I can only comment on speakers I've personally owned and listened to over extended intervals (with the exception of #2 on my list of 3):
1) <$200 = Audioengine 2 which is a really good speaker for background listening and occasionally for more attentive focus, especially when coupled with an Audioquest Dragon Red and an Audioquest Jitterbug.
2) <$1000 = Magnepan LRS which I just recently purchased to replace #3. This speaker has had rave reviews but - as I just got mine a few days ago, a purchase I made based on reports from sophisticated audiophiles - I can't give a listening impression based on personal experience.
3) ~$2000+ range = Vandersteen 2C series which have been favorably commented on favorably by many knowledgeable reviewers.
That's my very limited list and it's based on a price ceiling, as you can see, with listening pleasure being the main parameter within those ranges.
Keith
1) <$200 = Audioengine 2 which is a really good speaker for background listening and occasionally for more attentive focus, especially when coupled with an Audioquest Dragon Red and an Audioquest Jitterbug.
2) <$1000 = Magnepan LRS which I just recently purchased to replace #3. This speaker has had rave reviews but - as I just got mine a few days ago, a purchase I made based on reports from sophisticated audiophiles - I can't give a listening impression based on personal experience.
3) ~$2000+ range = Vandersteen 2C series which have been favorably commented on favorably by many knowledgeable reviewers.
That's my very limited list and it's based on a price ceiling, as you can see, with listening pleasure being the main parameter within those ranges.
Keith