Speakers Needed: Audiophile Taste - Low Budget

Getting Vandersteens 1B or 1C is the great idea if you can stretch some room for them. Also check out Totem Arro that are tiny-tiny but the slam and the music realy can come out from them. Their new price is a-bit more than $1k but used you can get for $700.
Do your search and enjoy the music!

If clarity and tonal accuracy are important to you I'd strongly recommend Klipsch Heresy II's for your mains. You can use these speakers on a shelf, stand or better yet on the floor for best bass response. They are VERY efficient, so driving them will not be a problem. You would also have a classic American speaker that will hold it's value if taken care of. I've owned a couple pair of these for years and will always have Heresy's somewhere in my home. If you decide on these wonderful speakers let me know, I would sell you a pair that are in pristine condition well within your stated budget. Not meant to be a sales job, just fact.

Paradigm reference 20s - hands down. I have owned B&W and Vandersteen and just love the Paradigm Reference line - owning the Studio 100s now and am just floored by them. Now if you want an expensive name over excellent sound....

Paradigm Ref speakers are great speakers, and the 20s just got a good review in Stereophile (I think that was the mag). May also want to take a look at the Taylo Ref Monitors listed here in Audiogon. Give Ty a call, and I'm sure he'd provide a trial session. I'm just a fan of Ty's speaker line.

m-

If you have a sub, you might consider Hornshoppe speakers. Very easy to drive, only go down to around 60 Hz. In your price range. They have alot of positive feedback at decware.com.