In the used arena, I'd recommend Thiel CS3.6's. Great speakers for the money. New, at the bottom end of that price range, the NHT ST-4's are outstanding. Without knowing the price, I would have pegged them for going at more than double the asking price ($1,000). I also like Totem's floorstanders in that price range. A long time Maggie fan friend of mine just bought a pair of Totem Arros (NHT ST-4's were actually his first choice, narrowly, but wife wanted something smaller), and we were amazed by their soundstage and imaging. FWIW, we both felt that the NHTs and Totems sounded much better than similarly priced Maggies, although I should note that all of our listening was done with SS receivers/integrateds.
Tom.
Tom.