I'll second the suggestion for Salk SongTowers. I've got a pair with the optional ribbon tweeters (right in the middle of your price range) and they are incredible sounding with all sorts of music. I listen primarily to classic rock like Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Rush, and even some metal at times. The SongTowers sound great with these genres, as well as with more mellow acoustic folk and jazz. With 88dB efficiency and a smooth 4-ohm load, these speakers are easy to drive with tube or solid state amplification. Jim Salk provides exemplary customer service, and you can order any of his speakers in virtually any real wood veneer you can think of. The SongTowers are tough to beat in this price range, in my opinion.