dear lord, i need help...

I would second the Totem Tabu. While not the bass of the Mani-2, the capacitor-less design and more 'air' in the presentation, it was was preference for a monitor that had suprising bass capability for it's size.

you might take a good look at monitor audio gr-10. i currently have a pair of paradigm studio 40 v.3's. they are fine sounding speakers but lack a bit on the low end. they could use a sub, which i hope to acquire in the spring. i have a pair of monitor audio bronze b-2's for my second system in the basement. they have a very good low end. the gold series gr-10 should be worth checking out. they list for $1,500. i noticed there are a pair on audiogon classifieds for $750. no, i don't know the person selling them; nothing in it for me.

thank you all again.

why don't you have a look at Epos M12.2? It's within your price range and it's a very good performer for the money. Also, it's a bit more efficient than its predecessor and supposedly has better bass than the earlier incarnation. Midrange is phenomenal.