Subject to caveat emptor and all of that, if I were in the market actively at this point, I already would have jumped on the Pioneer S-1EX’s on offer through eBay (and perhaps elsewhere). TAD drivers and beryllium tweeter, high-line Andrew Jones design. I have the smaller and presumably lesser S-4EXs (no beryllium, monitors) mounted atop a pair of JBL PS1400s and will never sell them. Shipping is the only thing I would have any concerns about.
I have seen a range of B&W 803s at or below your price point that also would draw my attention, along with a smattering of Harbeths and Spendors. It is a rather seemingly obscure model, but for a good price — $720.00 — offset by a potentially longish drive, I might check out the Spendor S9s available in Minnesota or Wisconsin (as I recall) Then, I would grab the Spendor center channel offered on eBay or one of the audio sites listed at a starting bid of $499.00.
If your ceiling (amplitude?) goes up a bit, the Joseph Pulsars listed somewhere for $6,000.00 (perhaps put in a sensible offer) look beautiful. The Pioneers would be my first pursuit, all things considered, but there are a lot of amazing speakers out there right now in your pricing realm.
I have seen a range of B&W 803s at or below your price point that also would draw my attention, along with a smattering of Harbeths and Spendors. It is a rather seemingly obscure model, but for a good price — $720.00 — offset by a potentially longish drive, I might check out the Spendor S9s available in Minnesota or Wisconsin (as I recall) Then, I would grab the Spendor center channel offered on eBay or one of the audio sites listed at a starting bid of $499.00.
If your ceiling (amplitude?) goes up a bit, the Joseph Pulsars listed somewhere for $6,000.00 (perhaps put in a sensible offer) look beautiful. The Pioneers would be my first pursuit, all things considered, but there are a lot of amazing speakers out there right now in your pricing realm.