Speaker recommendations in the $3,500-$4,000 range

Skip the Anthem power amplifier and get the new Blue Sky Big Blue monitor, about as close to the PMC for the money your spending you could ever hope to get.

More bass, flatter frequency response and greater output capacity than any speaker posted so far and simply the best speaker system I know of in the price class right now.

I'd place it above very good value speakers like the DALI Helicon 400, ATC SCM 35, VSR 4jr or Sr.

Can get these guys at any Guitar Center.

Electrostats!!!

Used, I would definitely recommend the Tyler Acoustics Linbrook Signature System (I). The Linbrooks are conservatively strong down to 25hz, and absolutely no sub is needed.

Other suggestions I also agree with are the Spendors and Salks... Both are strong brands that should merit serious consideration as well, IMO.

---Dave

I don't think you can come close to the finest PMC studio monitors installed professionally in the US on a $4,000 budget at least not new....but I guess you know this.

I agree with the suggestions already made on this thread so I won't add any specific recommendations.

However, in general, if you are very patient and keep looking, you could do what I have done; buy some old studio gear second hand on audiogon. My plain black ugly big boxes, with a few dings, came from a professional mastering studio. These type items do not sell easily on audiogon for obvious reasons - so just be patient and don't set your heart on one particular speaker.

Von Schweikert VR4jr are definitely worth listening to, if your amps have power to spare maybe totem winds also. I haven't heard the aerial 10t in a while, but remember them being tasty as well. Finally, I heartliy recommend giving the verity fidelio a listen...but of course I'd say that since I own 'em:)

--w