For a NEW purchase, you can't beat the Magnepan MMGs. The Epos are nice speakers too considering that you get a new pair at a used price. They're not my cup of tea, but YMMV.
If you're into panels and willing to go used, I'd sure look seriously at a pair of Magnepan 3As. Phenomenal speaker for not much moeny. They can be found right at your $650 limit.
For a box speaker, I think I'd stay with something like Vandersteen 2CEs. Again, these can be had right at your limit of $650. Full range, time and phase coherent and just plain musical speakers.
My personal favorite monitor speaker in this price range is the Platinum Audio Solo. Reference quality monitors in gorgeous wood and piano black finish that can be had for a song considering that the company is now defunct. Very inefficient and require a LOT of juice - 300wpc would be good - but they are nearly full range, dynamic as hell and incredibly detailed.
If you're into panels and willing to go used, I'd sure look seriously at a pair of Magnepan 3As. Phenomenal speaker for not much moeny. They can be found right at your $650 limit.
For a box speaker, I think I'd stay with something like Vandersteen 2CEs. Again, these can be had right at your limit of $650. Full range, time and phase coherent and just plain musical speakers.
My personal favorite monitor speaker in this price range is the Platinum Audio Solo. Reference quality monitors in gorgeous wood and piano black finish that can be had for a song considering that the company is now defunct. Very inefficient and require a LOT of juice - 300wpc would be good - but they are nearly full range, dynamic as hell and incredibly detailed.