Some of the Best speakers for Prog Rock/Metal

how do you take your experience from what you've heard at one place and compare it to another? What I mean is, every store has different brands/equipment/components running to various speakers? Doesn't this change the effect of the speakers and performance in comparison to other locations? There are just so many variables to take into consideration!
Heywaj10

It's difficult. I suggest focusing on finding a speaker you like and trying to ignore the electronics driving them. If the speaker fits the profile I mentioned earlier, then it will work well with any electronics you use.

You'll make your limited budget work harder if you consider buying used, or if you consider buying factory direct using the home audition method.

..and the best way to find the right speaker is to look for feedback and opinions on the internet.

If you find 5-6 seemingly knowledgeable people agree on a particular characteristic of a particular speaker that appeals to you, then there is a very good chance it is a true fact. Then look deeper to see what kinds of systems those people run the speaks on for more info on how to get the most out of them.

Once you find the patterns of useful info based on what people say, then check for professional reviews on-line or in magazines to see what the professional reviewers say as an additional check, but I'd take pro reviews with a grain of salt as well. Its more important that there is a consensus among many than whether any one individual cares for a product or not.

I was on a similar search as you when I found my B&W's lacking in this genre. Tool is my favorite band. I ended up with the Gallo Reference 3.1. A lot less $ than your limit and they play everything I throw at them very well, with an incredible soundstage and disappearing act. Detailed yet organic. You can even power their second voice coil if needed. I have not needed to do so.
Steel

Likecoiledsteel,

Ironically, I found both B&W P6 and large Magnepan mg1.3c lacking.

Part of this was due to source and amplifier sound quality issues at the time as well.

Today, I've fixed the source and amp issues and run 2 different pair of OHM full range floor standers and a pair of Dynaudio monitors mostly.

Both OHMs and Dynaudios do well now but the little but overachieving Dyn monitors really could use a sub to keep pace with the OHMs on prog and metal.

I wouldn't mind trying either the B&Ws nor Maggies again now with better electronics, but I don't think the low end extension and dynamics on the older Maggies would cut it. The B&Ws had some good kick to them. They might....

How come NO RUSH, Fates Warning? Or Helloween,
Gamma Ray, Guardian, Blind Guardian,
King Diamond, Merciful Fate,
Stratovarious, Saxon, Riot, etc?
Come on now, get with the program!
Even I have all of these.