which floor speaker up to 1500.00

(((11-05-11: Vapor1
Hey guys, I'm the owner of Vapor Audio. How about this for a testimonial))
((((thought you were looking at monitors? Under $2000 you're not going to find a floor stander that uses quality components)))

Wow.... Sure he can, you just don't want him to know about it.
Or is it perhaps you are peddling Vapor speakers without disclosure again.
The Vandersteen 1 C uses great drivers in a sophisticated multi enclosure with real bass down to 38 hz, and Phase and time correct to the music.
I have done this experiment and my conclusion is full range wins every time playing music.
JohnnyR
Vandersteen dealer

I've owned the 1C's myself and that would be my first choice, as well, given your price range. The only thing I will add is that they are very easy speakers to drive. I don't find Vandersteen's difficult to drive myself, but starting with the 2, they do like a little power. The 1's are different. Just about anything should work. Its a quality that sometimes people overlook.

If you insist on new, Vandersteen 1C is my recommendation as well.
If you don't mind used and lowering your budget, look at these. I have owned the 1Cs twice and the Kestrels 3 times. My preference is for the Kestrels as they have musicality all over the Vandies. They also shine in small rooms.

I'm clearly not trying to hide behind a screen name.

The 1C isn't exactly a great example of quality components and contruction in a floorstander for under $2k. Retail price for all the drivers and crossover components used would be under $200, and the cabinet certainly isn't resonance free. The point I made in the first post is still totally valid.

That said, I did own a pair back around 2000. Thought they were good, but ultimately outgrew them because they're too laid back and a bit lifeless. They were a good deal back then, but now-a-days internet direct companies like Aperion and Emotiva offer a lot more value for the entry-level floorstanders. The PSB Imagine T2 is also a pretty solid speaker for $1500/pair ... about as good as you'd get for the price if you're set on floorstanders.

I don't think Vapor1 is saying anything controversial here. Monitors' strengths are generally their imaging, and a stiff cabinet lacking in resonances is more easily found at this price point for a new speaker in monitors, not floorstanders.

IME, monitors image like a dream and can give a great soundstage. That is a challenge for floorstanders for the reasons Vapor1 added, and since you will get closer to a point source sound from monitors (and will get point source if you go with a coax design).

For new floorstanders, I think Tekton Lores are in your budget range. They get rave reviews from some corners of this forum. But I'd guess that they may be a bit forward (like many speakers of similar designs I have heard). Check the Lore threads to see about soundstage and imaging (though take some of the "giant killer" fanboys with a grain of salt).

As for what you didn't ask about: Used, I'd say look for a pair of Von Schewiekert floorstanders. New, aside from floorstanders, I'd look hard at the KEF LS50s. Or for stoopid cheap monitors, I was really impressed by the Pioneer SP-BS22-LR monitors designed by Andrew Jones (at least get a pair for a garage, kitchen, bedroom system folks).