There are many good choices in this price range.
We sell quite a number of great monitors, we currently display the KEF Ref 1, the Paradigm Person B, ATC SCM 11, SCM 19 and are looking at the new TAD ME 1.
We were Vivid dealers so we know the V1.5 it will all come down to what you value, we also had a set of speakers that were very similar to the Pulsars so you could say we have a lot of mini monitor experience.
It will all come down to your particular set of criteria.
So far we were blown away by the TAD ME 1 which is basically a $30k speaker shrunk down to mini size, amazing in every way, we are going to be testing a pair after hearing them at Capitol Audio Fest,
See the Absolute Sound review on them.
In our estimation here is how we would rate the best mini monitors:
1: TAD ME 1 about $12k unbelievable driver technlogy, deep tight bass down to low 40's, huge soundstage, tube friendly. Smooth yet detailed.
2: Persona B, clear midrange, very holographic, good with tubes, good but not super deep bass.
3: KEF Ref 1, slightly more colored than the B, fantastic bass and dynamics, big wide soundstage not as much front to back depth as the Persona B
4: ATC smooth midrange, very tight bass to the low 40's, likes power, loves rock and jazz, big soundstage, not as transparent as the others, but extremely natural midrange, likes power, depends on how much you have, great buy for the money, ie the SCM 19
5: Vivid V1.5 fantastic clarity, not as smooth in the midrange as the Personas, a tad light on the bass, very fast, articulate, likes tubes wide soundstage.
6: Radiho/Focal both can be peaky, uber detailed, Radho can be very expensive both of these speakers run to the detail class, Radhio loves smooth solid state, Focal loves tubes.
The TAD ME 1 if you can swing um are probably the best compact speakers in the world right now, the Persona B with a good small fast sub will also amaze.
If you are ever in the New York Tri State area we have KEF, Paradigm, ATC, and most likely the TAD ME on display
Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ