2.0 Stereo speakers on a $2000 budget?

" The OP has a budget of $2000 or less.Why would you recommend these? Just curious!"

He may be willing to buy used.

mb1, Yes, at his/her budget the 2C signatures are out of range. I was thinking they were within 10% of budget ($2200). Buying used would be within budget. I have heard earlier versions of both the 1C and 2C and felt that the 2C would better pressurize the OP's room given he mentioned that he sometimes plays music loud. I believe any of the later model 2Cs to be great all around speakers, could be driven by the NAD 356 amp, would fit his room size, and accommodate all types of music. I also mentioned there were many other choices available (as per samac), though I was hesitant to recommend a single one. Truly believe the Vandys to be a worthy contender considering the OP's situation.

I have two suggestions that come in right at your price point ($2K):

Magnepan 1.7 and Monitor Audio Silver Series 8.

I auditioned the Magnepans powered by an NAD C 375BEE and it was a good match--smooth and natural, it let the Maggies show off what they are about. For impedance matching and tonal balance, your C 356BEE should sound similar, but you'll be missing a little bit of volume potential. However, while the C 356 is rated at 80 wpc (into 8 or 4 ohms), they have a lot of headroom built in, so they should cleanly hit peaks 3dB above that cleanly. You could get those 1.7s and possibly be happy with the C 356, but I don't know your listening tastes and your room is medium-largish. But there's no harm in getting them and checking out the match. Worst case is at some point you might sell the 356 and move up to the 375, which I *know* is an excellent match with these speakers.

I have had my Maggies for exactly three years, and they still so captivate me, continue to pull me into the music, and reveal natural-sounding music reproduction that I still think of them as my "new" speakers. None of the "new toy" novelty has worn off. In fact, the way they've gotten better with extended break-in and the more ways I notice how well they do so many things, I look forward to listening through them as the months and years pass.

I've also heard an earlier version of the Monitor Audio Silver 6 and Silver 8. They are more sensitive than the Maggies, and should be able to hit clean peaks of 107-109dB with your current NAD amp. These have excellent tonal balance, transparent midrange, smooth, even, extended highs, good bass reach, etc. They also look very nice. If the bass overloads the room, you could plug or attenuate the ports with rolled up towels or something. Or you could go with the Silver 6 with less bass output. I'd personally go with the Silver 8 because it has a dedicated midrange, is in your budget, and you can attenuate the bass by plugging one or both ports.

Stereophile review of earlier version

"mb1, Yes, at his/her budget the 2C signatures are out of range. I was thinking they were within 10% of budget ($2200). Buying used would be within budget. I have heard earlier versions of both the 1C and 2C and felt that the 2C would better pressurize the OP's room given he mentioned that he sometimes plays music loud. I believe any of the later model 2Cs to be great all around speakers, could be driven by the NAD 356 amp, would fit his room size, and accommodate all types of music. I also mentioned there were many other choices available (as per samac), though I was hesitant to recommend a single one. Truly believe the Vandys to be a worthy contender considering the OP's situation. "

I used to have the 1's, and now have the 2's and 3's. The 2's are definately a better speaker, but the 1's are much easier to drive. Given the large room and high volume requirements, I think they're a safer choice. The NAD may strain trying to push the 2's in that room. However, if the OP plans on upgrading in the future, the 2's are definately good enough to be a last speaker purchase. 

Another option may be to get a pair of 1's and a sub. Later on, another sub can be added, and 2 subs work really well with the Model 2 and 3's, so they can be a solid, long term purchase. 

Someone else mentioned the Monitor Audio Silver 8's. I had a pair of those and thought they were great. I wouldn't take them over the Vandersteen, but they would probably be a 2nd choice. MA does a really nice job with their cerimac coated tweeters.

Kef 104/2 for $650 on the 'gon and spend the rest on better amplification/ sources etc.