I have to agree with Williewonka and Sbank. I have owned the Tannoy Mercury M2 speakers a couple of years ago and they are a VERY musical speaker and if you can find them they will hit your budget. A sub may be needed. When I had the Mercury M2 powered by a Hafler DH500 and the bass was good but the highs were so so. Like stated above you may need a sub.
Years later I just couldn't resist the ELAC Debut B6 speakers because of the price and buzz around them. With a pair of Red Dragon M1000 monoblock amps they were wonderful sounding. I felt the air coming out of those ports when I cranked up the volume. With a Jolida JD502P tube amp the B6 speakers were almost as nice. A little more warm in the top end.
YMMV and good luck with the search.
Years later I just couldn't resist the ELAC Debut B6 speakers because of the price and buzz around them. With a pair of Red Dragon M1000 monoblock amps they were wonderful sounding. I felt the air coming out of those ports when I cranked up the volume. With a Jolida JD502P tube amp the B6 speakers were almost as nice. A little more warm in the top end.
YMMV and good luck with the search.