Zu Omen or Tekton Lore

Your DAC choice will have a far bigger impact than any pair of cables.I would look at the Little Dot DAC from China in your price range.Why? because of the huge tiroidal transformer and Wolfson chip not to mention the way Sword Yang carefully implemented it all in his design.I chose the LD1 over the Cambridge Dac Magic because the little dot simply had a far better sense of scale and dynamics the little wall wart could not deliver in the DAC Majic another nice DAC in it's own right.
The Lores are perfectly balanced but can be taken to another level of detail.So there is no problem with highs and lows but the level of information that makes it through them.
If you want to get to that level you will have to do some soldering or have it done,or you could just be happy with what you have.Having said all that get your source and amp right then look to sorting out where you want to go with the Lores.Time is your friend,there is no hurry,just research before you buy.Best of luck!

"Still no one w/ M-Lore's?

I know Eric is busy building them, the two reviews out there have driven orders, but so few user comments..."

I'm looking to replace my PSB Stratus Mini's with a small efficient floorstander and am also greatly interested in the M-Lore. I might just have to try a pair out and do my own comparison since user reviews are so hard to come by.

I really appreciate the advice, Goraman.

I may hit you up for more info on your tweaks down the road, but I wont bother you on that yet, cuz I'm not at all electrically inclined, so when I do I'll need it all spelled out in excruciating detail.

I should probably make sure I even like the speakers first ;-)

Cheers.

You will like them,but if you do not have good soldering skills and the ability to draw a diagram before you disassemble, so you can reassemble with the new upgrade parts. Then get someone who dose to help you and do it all at the same time.Remember ("DO NO HARM").
You should start learning to solder on something you get at a yard sale or charity shop not a $1.000.00 pair of brand new speakers.My first soldering job was in 1974 making my first crystal radio set.A great project for a first timer.
Suggestions.
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=374-100

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=390-545

These 2 items will take you along way in your new hobby.

+1 on Floosh's comment about tweaks, Goramon. I do want to move forward with those tweaks, but am not very confident with my soldering skills and also would want some details on component ordering. Great summary and suggestions though. I'm left wondering if I couldn't just get someone (maybe Eric) to make me some drop in replacement crossovers to swap out myself...