Need a Speaker Recommendation

Thanks guys, that's really eye-opening information for me--I've never heard these speakers but I will make it a point to go find a pair to audition now.

Wolf_Garcia: thanks for the info--my gf has an annoying cat named Zippy that will definitely tear them apart so that's really good to know

After checking out these speakers briefly on the internet, I'd like to know if there's any other speakers anyone can recommend as an alternative option? While I'm sure the vandy's sound great, they look like they may not fit in with my current living room setup, and another option would be nice to have anyway.

Check out the Neat Petite III monitors currently listed for sale here. I have no affiliation to the seller or Neat but they are a really cool little monitor and a lot of speaker for the money. They would grow with you when you decide to upgrade from your Rotel.

Also in your price range worth checking out is a pair of used Green Mountain Europas. GMA has a great reputation.

Another option might be to pick up a used pair of Magnepan 1.6 panel speakers. Close to your price range and an amazing bargain for under $1,000. You won't be hosting a rave with you amplification but if your decor will tolerate them, that would be an interesting listening experience.

My personal recommendation would be to call Ty Lashbrook at Tyler Acoustics and tell him what you want to do both now and in the near future. He has a trade up plan so you could start out at the entry level with him and grow as funds allow. I once had some of his Taylo monitors and boy were they fun. I have since "upgraded" a dozen times but never has the bang for the buck been better than when I had some Tylers and a Cary SLI80.

That's an option I will definitely consider. Thanks.

Btw, I should clarify that when I said they may not fit in with my current living room setup, I specifically meant that they look like they may just be slightly wide to fit into the slots I have for them in my entertainment system furniture, but I'm not completely sure yet. Also, there's a girlfriend-factor...she may not approve of the appearance, so you know how that goes.

I use a pair of "Stereophile recommended" Silverline Preludes bought from Ebay for half the original price (with shipping I think they were under $500)...and they sound great (kind of need a sub though...so I use a REL 10" with 'em).