Certainly lots of choices in the is price range, but my shortlist would definitely include the KEF LS-50, especially at their new improved $999 price. That even leaves a cool $1000 subwoofer budget. 180 degrees away, Magneplanar .7s offer size, speed, and transparency that no cone-based speaker can offer in this price range. And kinda/sorta in between, the GoldenEar Model 5 and Model 7 have more than a little street cred. I mention these because the each represent a pinnacle of engineering, execution, and sound quality in their type and budget: mini-monitor, planar, and small floor-standing tower.