[ggilman]

Looking at financing some floorstanding speakers on Amazon. What do you think is the best pair under $1000? (Purpose is 70/30 music/movies; listening includes: radiohead, pink floyd, miles davis, coltrane, ramones, led zeppelin, nirvana, white stripes, etc.)

 

[Transmaniacon]

You could try the new Infinity R263, they are supposedly a great sounding speaker: http://www.amazon.com/Infinity-R263...=1427204977&sr=1-2&keywords=infinity+speakers

Also consider the Klipsch RF-82 II which are currently on closeout. If you like the Klipsch sound, this would be a fantastic deal: http://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-RF-82...&ie=UTF8&qid=1427205064&sr=1-1&keywords=rf-82

Could also look at the Polk RTiA7: http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-Fl...ie=UTF8&qid=1427205143&sr=1-1&keywords=rti+a7

 

[ggilman]

Thanks for the suggestions! I'm always intrigued by the Polks because they look SO nice, but I've been warned against them as well. I've heard they are very bright, and I'd be more interested in a balanced/neutral speaker with stronger midrange.

 

[Transmaniacon]

The budget Polks can be bright, but the RTiA series is one down from their flagship line and are a much better speaker than the Monitors. I don't find them bright, Klipsch however is bright to me.

If it were my money I would be giving those Infinity's a shot. Here are a couple reviews:

http://hometheaterreview.com/measurements-i-also-did-full/
http://www.audioholics.com/tower-speaker-reviews/infinity-reference-series-speakers

 

[zieglj01]

You could try the new Infinity R263, they are supposedly a great sounding speaker: http://www.amazon.com/Infinity-R263...=1427204977&sr=1-2&keywords=infinity+speakers

+1 on the Infinity

Also, look at the JBL Studio 280 - sold each
http://www.amazon.com/JBL-Studio-28...qid=1427207102&sr=8-1&keywords=jbl+studio+280

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/21fHj6YV-WL.jpg

 

[alexanderc]

I've heard good things recently about the Wharfedale diamonds (10.5 or 10.7). There's a positive review online of the 10.5 towers. Stereophile had good things to say about the 10.1 and Cnet and Whathifi both liked the Diamond 220 a lot, but those are bookshelf speakers. I haven't heard any of these, but I would be curious how they compare.

 

[ggilman]

I should add that my first choice right now are the Paradigm Monitor 7's at local shop. Went to listen to them, and fell in love with the sound, but not sure I can swing it without financing.

 

[Transmaniacon]

I should add that my first choice right now are the Paradigm Monitor 7's at local shop. Went to listen to them, and fell in love with the sound, but not sure I can swing it without financing.

This is very good to know, Paradigm has a slightly forward sound, with their famous sparkly highs. So knowing that, you could look for something similar sounding. Klipsch might be too forward, but KEF and Infinity would be a couple brands to look at. I really think those Infinity's would appeal to you, but also look at the KEF Q500.

 

[Transmaniacon]

And I almost forgot, NHT! The Absolute towers are close to your budget and on Amazon, and have a very nice warm sound that is a slightly forward. http://www.amazon.com/NHT-Absolute-...1427216078&sr=8-1&keywords=NHT+absolute+tower

These are incredibly accurate speakers, look very good, and I am a big fan of their sound.

 

[mdbrown]

If you can swing $100 on top of the financing you can get the KEF Q500R, an excellent speaker: http://smile.amazon.com/KEF-Q500R-F...47&sr=1-2&keywords=KEF+floorstanding+speakers

 

[zieglj01]

I should add that my first choice right now are the Paradigm Monitor 7's at local shop. Went to listen to them, and fell in love with the sound, but not sure I can swing it without financing.

Go with what you like and floats your boat.

If it does not work out - then I would look at the Infinity, JBL and NHT

For JBL on the higher end sound quality level - I would look at the Studio 570,
and they are part of the JBL Synthesis line. The Studio 5 series is a good one.
http://www.amazon.com/JBL-Studio-57...qid=1427217187&sr=8-1&keywords=jbl+studio+570

http://www.jblsynthesis.com/products/floorstanding-speakers/studio-570/

 

[crazyrob425]

Personally I am a fan of the Polk RTi's as I have the previous verion of the RTi A1's and I love them. I stopped chasing upgrades with that purchase. I did have the Polk Monitor 30's prior and found the Monitor line slightly bright over all but definitely decently bright when compared to my RTi4's. Now this brightness was easily dealt with by turning the treble down on my receiver and keeping the speaker covers on.

Another option would be the SVS Prime Towers on Amazon. Not sure is SVS offers the 45 day risk-free inhome trials with Amazon purchases but I am guessing they might given that you are buying from SVS's page on Amazon.