Best Speaker New or Used under $1.5K

Denon, IMHO opinion there isn't a small speaker that sounds big-doesn't work. The issue with monitors and subs is integrating the 2 which isn't as easy as most people think. I have owned the Stratus Mini's-great small speaker. If you wanted to go that route it would be at the top of my list. Stratus Gold is great too-however quite large and HEAVY. I have decided to go with floor standers and sub to fill the bottom octaves, works for me. Don't forget, your monitors will require good stands($$) and will still occupy the same footprint. Really, the Z7's are silly good. Next to them the Image series of PSB are great for the $$-lively and full sounding. Good Luck and remember-our hobby is fun.
Beernut

Green Mountain Audio Europa's at $1K/pair new would be my choice as they are certianly going to be more listenable on your older rock recordings due to the time/phase accuracy of the speakers. Whatever speaker you purchase, listen to them with your old Hendrix records, not just audiophile pressings. Most speakers do audiophile well.....only a handfull do Hendrix well. Good luck.

I second Songwriter72. Go with Green Mountain and never look back.

Songwriter72 and Elsneb,,, will the Europas be ok with a Solid State Receiver? It seems most of the review I've read have them attached to tube amps.

I have 200 watts of solid state power and they sound very good. But you know whats great about them? Because of the time/phase coherancy they sound good on pretty much ANY amp. I have used mine with:
An old Citation 24
A newer Arragon amp
My son's Aiowa all in one system ( $200.00 at Costco).....and yes....they still sounded pretty good.......who'd a thunk it?
No worries. These speakers are sure to impress.