I just bought a speaker setup that I feel is an outrageous steal. They're called Bohlender Graebener Radia X Series. They have planar tweeters that are incredibly fast, and two aluminum woofers (d'appolito configuration). The build quality is really nice, and they sounded great even before break-in. I got them all on uBid for $325-354 each, and could not be happier!

Also check out www.ohmspeakers.com if you are still looking around. Have not heard any of their current models but used to listen to some old ones and they had a nice very clear sound. Sold online only now.

Just checked out the Norh site. Definitely worth a look, headed back there now...

I'm very intrigued by the nOrh speakers. I like everything they say about quality (marble, silver wire, Vifa and Scanspeak, ...). But I have some reservations. I love the idea of music as art in the marble speakers. I don't have the spousal approval factor to worry about at the moment, but the price is way up there. I'm looking at the Prism line and really like the looks. Speakers are so individual it's hard to decide to drop a large amount of money, sound unheard.

Does anyone have first-ear experience with nOrh, either the marble or the Prisms?

Well, they sure are pretty. I can easily see someone confusing them for sculptures, especially if your room decor matches well.

Take a look at the Jamo line. Sound great look good. Good price. (I get them at 50% discount which makes it sweet)

http://www.jamospeakers.com/consumer/

I am trying to make a speaker decision myself. I did have quite a few options, in my price range. After listening to some, my list has grown considerably shorter. I just got through listening to some Energy Veritas speakers and was very impressed. They are at the top of my list for the time being. They are also made in Canada and take advantage of the free test equipment. Anyhow, you might want to audition some of these. I like the 2.2 and 2.3.

If you listen to music at least as often as you watch movies, be sure to audition some Dunlavy speakers. They're not cheap, but even the SC-I's are amazingly accurate speakers, and their bass response is low enough to be paired with a sub without having directional sound problems.

After testing out lots of different speakers,I got 2 pairs of B&W DM605S2's and a LCR6S2.

Thanks to everyone for all their suggestions.

Rich

Look at av123.com. The Swan Divas have an excellent reputation. I myself built my own. The Focal HT set from Zalytron. They're awesome.

If you did not like the B&W's your were listening to (hard to believe, which model and what was driving them?) try the Magneplanar line. Unbelievable sound stage, clear highs and the perfect amount of bass, though plenty will argue that there's not enough, it won't reach the bottom octave but it will surely impress. Though, the ultimate decision is what your "ears" hear so base you buying power on that.