Best overall Speakers for $2,500.00 or less, New?

I agree with many posts here that profess $2500 used opens up many doors vs. $2500 new. I just moved from a monitor speaker to a floor stander for little more than you have budgeted and I'm very happy with the result... full(er) spectrum of sound, nice low end response and smooth mids with detailed highs. Is this my last stop in speakers? No, but for now I'm satisfied. Totem Forest is the speaker, please audition a pair to see if you agree.

"Troutki ...did I say you can't get a decent speaker under $2500.00...I don't think so."

Did I say that the Vandys were perfect...I don't think so?

:-)

You might also want to check out GR-Reasearch @

http://www.gr-research.com

especially if you are a DIYer. If you don't want to put them together then Danny Richie will assemble them for you for a modest price. He is an excellent designer and a nice guy all around. He uses top self products in his designs. I purchased a used pair of his speakers and he was a tremendous help, even though he know he wasn't going to get a current sale. I'm sure his great customer service will get me to be a repeat owner and this time directly from him. Check him out when you have time.

Enjoy the hunt and ultimate purchase,
Lou

So what does it take to be a "Perfect" speaker? How about a frequency response of 29-21K + or - 3db or how about 32hz-21khz + or - 1.5db? How about premium crossover components, drivers and internal wiring? How about a minimal baffle, 1st order crossover and phase correct? What about solid engineering and cabinet design? What about being matched to each other + or - 1db or better? No, they're not perfect but they are as good as you'll get up and past this price point. I suggest the Vandersteen 2Ce Signatures. These are one hell of a fine speaker for $1695 new! Just make sure they are set up correctly and sit back and enjoy music that is not thrown at you but presented for your enjoyment.

Virgos are ~$7,000 new. B&W 700 series are about $2,500 and very nice.