What is the best HEAVY METAL speaker?

There seems to be tons of suggestions for "Pro=type" speakers (for lack of a better word), like JBL and Klipsch horn speakers. I've never personally tried this kind of speaker, and am a little reluctant due to the lack of low end production. I'm not really sure how speakers having 12" or even 15" drivers can have such a disappointing low frequency extension. For instance the Klipsch Heresy, an almost universally-loved speaker is listed at 58-20,000 Hz (±3dB). How can this me possible for a 12"? Am I missing something here? I would hate to buy a speaker with a monster driver like that, and huge size overall, and still have to invest $1000 on a SVS or REL subwoofer.

If you do go the way of big fullrange drivers, Emerald Physics is another to check out. http://www.emeraldphysics.com/

Linaeum66 Yes missing something, a basic law of loudspeaker design = Hoffman’s Iron Laws of Speaker Building

1) Bass Extension

2) Efficiency

3) Small Enclosure

The law is that you can only have two of these three

So true, Johnk. I choose #1 and #2. as I know you do.
I have a pair of JBL 4676-A that are waiting for me to find a much larger place.

I am a huge metal and heavy rock fan, among other music vices :) I enjoy Opeth, Entombed, Amorphis, Slayer, Rage Against the Machine, all the way to Norah Jones, KT Tunstall, and Andreas Vollenwieder. Music comes in many flavors, no need to be pidgeon-holed!

I highly suggest a pair of Revel f30s for the budget you have, or a pair of m20s and a pair of good subs, preferably servo (maybe old Velodyne). The nice thing is that you can crank these things way up, they take abuse, but still sound nice. AND parts are still available if you get a little crazy.

For the money invested, you won't beat what you hear.