This Chris agrees with that Chris.
Besides Genelec, Tannoy also makes some nice self powered gear - had them in a video bay I built. Some of this semipro/pro gear is balanced which is nice. Note that both the Genelecs and Tannoys are heavy and will require AC up the wall as well as the signal.
As a completely different - but totally classic 'old school' approach, you might think about looking for a pair of JBL4311/4312s (also look on ebay). This is a 3way with a 12" woofer and the thingsare dead accurate, get loud and generally kick ass. Since they defined the category they meet Audiokinesis spec.
A pair of 4312s just went for $550 ask here on Agon. Leaves some room for better mounting brackets, amp, big cable etc. There are bigger speakers (15") in the line but unless you have a really big room you don't need them.
The other classic choice in the studios I have worked in are Tannoys. Right at the top of your range on Agon today is an awesome looking pair of Tannoy Monitor Gold 12"s that seem to have been tweaked to perfection. As a useless generalization the sound is a bit smoother then a JBL. Very musical and deadly accurate as well.
Being in LA most of the other rooms I worked in here have big setups from places like Westlake Audio which will bust your budget into little tiny pieces - and are probably too big for your needs anyhow.
Don't forget to put some panels on the back wall.
