Monitors that compete with quality floorstanders??

Overpriced is relative. Something's worth whatever you pay for it. To call the de Capo's "overpriced" without having had them in your system is a bit myopic. I've had everything from Triangles to Maggie 3.6s to Focal 1027 to Devore 9's to Totem Staffs. The de Capo's are easily the best of the bunch (well, besides the Maggies, which are unparalleled).

A pair of clean used De Capos for $1200.00 is not overpriced.

Vapor Stiff Breeze at 2k should bring you everything you are looking for and more !!

Maybe Merlin might be solution as well.

How can anyone say their speakers are the best for anyone else's situation when you don't know his room or the whole system they are using? That's what I never understood. Not trying to be a jerk, but if you ask anyone who knows, they'll tell you that room and the rest of the systems is everything. I've heard the same system in two different stores on the same day, sound totally different. Similar traits etc... but midbass to midrange were completely different. I've heard most of the speakers mentioned in this thread and some I have loved. I have liked a couple and not liked a few. Again, my ears are different than anyone elses...

Just an observation. This is a good starting point for him to go out and listen for himself. I personally have never heard a sub/monitor system that works for me. No continuity and I can hear it pretty easily. I have however heard subs work well with full range speakers to smooth the bass and augment just a bit. Anything is about proper execution a most know. Sorry if I stepped on anyone's toes.