Quad 12L, PMC TB2, or Harbeth Compact 7ES-2?

You've never heard the Harbeth if you think it's "old school Brit," forgiving or lacks transparency, or else there is something wrong with your hearing. It isn't rolled off on top to any appreciable extent. If anything, it may have a little too much tweeter. Its superior transparency and clarity come from the proprietary material the woofer cone is made from - no audible distortion. It will sound a little different in different rooms and on different height stands, but it will never sound like an old British speaker. And, let me add, not really forgiving at all. Rather, very revealing of the sonic character of upstream components as well as the merits and deficiencies of modern recordings.

ALso..Von Shiekwert(?) vr-1 is a highly acclaimed monitor for under 1k...I dont have a local dealer...but many owners rave...hope this helps...you also wont be sorry with the QUads...they are an exceptional value...

One thing no one seems to take into account much is how much a speaker has been run in or how it was auditioned when we comment. Toe-in or not, type of stands, room, cables, height, etc. I have owned now two sets of the Quad 12L. My second, new set sounds quite different than my pair with over 100 hrs on them. Upon first listen on a newer set they are less focused and a touch splashy sounding, less defined central imaging. I know that after a conservative 50-100hr break in they have one the best sounding top ends I have ever heard, and the best imaging I have heard, period. If the 12L ever sounds bright I will change my gear because it has one of the smoothest frequency responses I have heard top to bottom. Of course everyones gear and taste is different. I use Primare equipment that is fairly refined. If I mentioned my impression of the Harbeths It wouldn't be fair because it was in a different room and on different gear. I can say I choose the 12L prior to hearing the Harbeths and have no regrets. I choose the 12L after owning the Spendor S3/5 and GR Paradox 1 with the same Primare gear. Value wise I haven't had a better purchase.

I noticed comments in other discussions pairing Plinius and Dynaudio. Any thoughts on the Dynaudio Contour 1.3mkII?
Also, is there another monitor in this range that would be more forgiving of a poor recording?
Thanks for your input.

Checkout the the Soliloquy 6.0s.It has a very articulate and refined top end but not tingy.Bass extends down to about 35 hz.And these speakers will disapear with good equipment.They are also soundstage and imaging champions.Fit and finish are beautiful and they weigh about 35lbs a piece.The driver compliment is one 6.5 woofer and a 1 inch silk dome tweeter. If you want transparency, airy and musical with a little warmth look no further.