Marten Design Coltrane vs Wilson Audio Watt/Puppy

Nola KO should be considered as well but you're not likely to find them second hand - at least not for awhile.

What is wrong with the Audio Note speakers? They look a bit 1970's and need to be in a corner ideally, but they make a wonderful, musical sound with no edge to it. With the range of crossover upgrades, there is a speaker for most pockets.

I also agree that Tannoy would be a great choice too.

Thank you very much folks for this input. Just to clarify I am not a horn guy. Will take seriously all suggestions.

Avantgarde speakers work very well with Audio Note. A 2nd hand pair of UNOs
should be within your budget.

Marten altered the Marten Coltrane in 2009 to a higher impedance bass system including new bass drivers and new bass crossover. This was specifically for tube amplifier users. Now the impedance is 6 ohm (4.8 ohms min, with bass-adjust in normal). The original Stereophile Coltrane reviews used the 1st generation Coltranes. These are epic speakers and definately keepers.