Best monitor under 5k?

I feel that the AAD 2001 is an excellent monitor speaker. It is a Phil Jones design. To my ear, they have great high frequency extension that is non-fatiguing, and tremendous bass extension (if not weight … as expected). The bass extension gives a nice "full" sound without boom or bloat in the lower mids. The bass response is fast; "tight and tuneful" as some would say. The mids are also very good. The mids give up a bit in ultimate detail compared to the most detailed monitors I have heard, but are well above average in this regard. I have found that the "best in class" monitors for midrange detail generally will not have the bass extension or clarity of the 2001 and can be fatiguing for me on the high end compared to the 2001. I have not listened to classical music on them but the AAD 2001 handles jazz, vocals (male an female), and all forms of rock/alternative/progressive/etc., with aplomb. Go and give them a listen and let us know what you think!

And remember, buy what YOU like not what I like!! ;-)

Enjoy!
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NHT Xd. Slightly more than $5K, but they include amps and stands. Better than the Dynaudio C1's and Special 25's that I used to own.

I have just gone thorugh this search and bought the Callistos new, full retail price direct from Roy (no dealers here and he is only 2 hours from my house). I doubt that you will find any used, but there are "wanted" ads. They seem like a steal at $2900.

I did not restrict myself to monitors. The callistos can compete with many floorstanders for fuul-range sound. They sound great with a very wide range of music. Neutral with pace, but smooth.

Sold my old Vandies and selling the Tylers I tried out. Both very nice speakers, but the Callistos kill them both for my tastes. If you prefer extra warmth, the Tylers might fit.

They really need 200 hours of solid break-in.

Pay attention to ports for a smsll area. Rear ported speakers seem to require more space behind them. The callistos are bottom-ported.

Jerrym303: Sold my old Vandies and selling the Tylers I tried out.

Which precise models were those, the vandies as well as Tylers? Congratulations on finding what works best for you.

If you are dead set on a monitor, you should seek out a used pair of Proac Tablette 50 Signatures. If you are lucky enough to find a pair for sale, you should be able to pick up a pair on audiogon for $1300 to $1500, depending on their finish. They are excellent monitors, and usually disappear the day they are listed unless they are listed at too high of a price or one of the unpopular finishes.

I own Ayre equipment (Ayre AX-7e and CX-7e) and have used these monitors very successfully in a small as well as moderate room. Currently, I am driving a pair of Proac Response D15s with the Ayre AX-7e...this has proved to be a sweet combination. However, I have my Proac Tablette 50 Sigs carefully stored and can not envision selling them in the near future. That's how good they are...you don't want to part with them even when they are not being used!

Good luck!