Given your responses, Rockpanther, this may be one of the few times in my life I would suggest an older used speaker, despite your desire for new. If you go new, with your budget you will likely sacrifice bass extension, which I can't see you enjoying. An older, very capable floor standing speaker might also be warmer; I'm thinking of Vandersteen 2CE or similar, which I owned long ago. These, and other Vandersteen 1, 2 or 3 series earlier speakers can be found in abundance, they have very respectable sound, and will not be fatiguing/harsh. You can also afford them if you don't have thousands to throw around.
You may also wish to go hear a panel speaker, because they sound quite different and you may love what they do. But be careful, because they can sound a bit unforgiving in the high end. Usually you can work with the treble.
Magnepan is everywhere, so listen to one and you'll know if it's a flavor of sound you like. It is definitely worth your time to check it out. The bass is thinner with a panel speaker typically, but you can supplement it with a subwoofer and get plenty of boom. For your interests it may be a winning idea. :)
When i was starting out Vandersteen and Magnepan were two speakers I could afford and kept me satisfied... for a while. :)
You may also wish to go hear a panel speaker, because they sound quite different and you may love what they do. But be careful, because they can sound a bit unforgiving in the high end. Usually you can work with the treble.
Magnepan is everywhere, so listen to one and you'll know if it's a flavor of sound you like. It is definitely worth your time to check it out. The bass is thinner with a panel speaker typically, but you can supplement it with a subwoofer and get plenty of boom. For your interests it may be a winning idea. :)
When i was starting out Vandersteen and Magnepan were two speakers I could afford and kept me satisfied... for a while. :)