Speaker Advice -- Which to Buy

You might be able to find some used Thiels in your price range. An old CS2 (or maybe even a 2.2 with some small cosmetic damage - this model normally sells closer to $1300 used) or a CS1.5. These are GREAT sounding very flexible speakers that don't require devatating amounts of power.

I would agree with Rjones about the Vandersteen 2CE Signature loudspeakers. I have seen them on Audiogon for around $1000 with stands. I have found the Vandersteens to be a simple loudspeaker to drive. They sound better with bettter equipment, but they sound fine with lower priced equipment as well. They are full range speakers with great bass. You cannot go wrong with the Vandersteen 2CE Signatures at that price point.

While I have been a long term Vandersteen 2c and 2ce owner, I have found that they sound their best with tube amplifiers. The Vandersteen 1c is a more forgiving and easier speaker to drive and sounds good with solid state. It also available new for under $1k. For about $700, including stands, I just picked up a pair of B&W dm 602s2 for a second system. These were surprisingly good for the money and are very easy to drive. They're not floor standers but sound as good or better than some. This would leave you $300 to put towards some good cables or maybe a better preamp.

Okay Trip - thanks for taking the time to give us your priories, which are: Timbre, dynamic contrast, good soundstaging over a wide area, natural-sounding deep bass, unobtrusive size and visual appeal, sounds great at medium volumes, forgiving of less-than-ideal recordings and sources, and non-fatiguing over long listening sessions.

Now I have much better idea of what you're looking for!

You have already found an excellent speaker line in the Meadowlarks. I would also suggest you look for a used Audio Physic speaker, perhaps a Step or Spark. The Vandersteens mentioned will also work well, but only you can decide if they look good enough.

The Audio Physics will give you the widest sweet spot and are the best looking. The Vandy's are the most forgiving, and the Meadowlarks the most dynamic.

cserkin@onebox.com, you also took the time to list your priorities (in order), namely: Dynamic contrast, timbre, clarity & nuance, natural-sounding bass, unobtrusive size & visual appeal, works well in less-than-optimum room or location, and superb soundstaging for a single listener. You added that you prefer a laid-back speaker. Thanks for taking the time.

Hmmmm. Generally, it's pretty expensive to combine real good dynamic contrast with a laid-back sound. I'd suggest you take a look at the smaller Soliloquy's, and also the Meadowlarks. My recollection would give the edge in dynamics to the Soliloquy's, and imaging to the Meadowlarks.

To Trip and cserkin@onebox.com, thanks for participating. And please don't take my suggestions here as being comprehensive! They are based on my limited experience. My personal first choice in this price range would be the Maggie MG-12. I don't sell any of these speakers, but I do like them all.

any jm lab speaker is a great buy. you can pick up used cobalts and electras. for that price range.