High value floorstanders around $1k used

Andre:

See if any of the local dealers carry Castle Acoustics (a UK manufacturer). Their Pembroke model (slim floor stander) would be worth an audition. The US distributor for the line is/was (not certain anymore) May Audio Marketing, which is based near Niagara Falls.

The Pembroke's have tuneful (not exaggerated) bass and will work in small/medium rooms (also do fairly well close to the front wall, figure 12"-18").

The cabinet work is first rate and customer service from both the manufacturer and the distributor is top notch.

Andre: take a look at Kinima G2 from Zetagcorp in Toronto. These speakeakers are built with excellent craftsmanship, nice smooth nonfatiging highs, smooth midrange and deep tight bass. Go to www.Zetagcorp.com for info. They were a little more than what you want to spend ($1200?), about a year ago but are well worth it.

I also concur that a monitor is preferably at this pricing point--in fact, up to $3k i think they will outperform most floorstanders in similar price range.

Ellis Audio 1801's.