You can get factory re-furbished Polk LSi9's for about $500. They are outstanding little speakers. I've got a pair I bought new and am still amazed at their sound. They are 4 ohm, so you need an amp that will handle 4 ohm loads with ease.
Over the weekend I picked up the Energy Veritas 2.1's and some nice, shot-filled stands were thrown in. They are in very nice condition and sound amazing. As good or better than any floor stander I have owned; great soundstage and imaging with detailed, punchy bass...they are built like tanks...
The Veritas line is excellent. Sadly, corporate overlord Klipsch has killed all of Energy's high end models and are steering the brand to the mass market.
I like them I had them for about 2 weeks, and then I took them back this was last year, they was a lil forward sounding for me but they had a huge sound stage with a very organic mid-range, tight bass, a Lil light but pretty good....they might sound different on my current set up, but I definitely liked them a lot...the guys on The What HiFi forums swear by the Zensor 3 though....Seeing as this thread is only six years old - hell, why not? I can't believe none of the folks asking for reccomendations on new amps/turntables etc aren't also trying to find out what are some of the better speakers to audition.
So what do folks think of the Dali Zensor 1 or 3? I'm listening to a pair of the former and really digging them. I only have a cheap pair of Yamaha speakers to compare them to , but the Zensor's have what sound to me a very nice dynamic sense. Got them new for $400 last year, and thinking of eventually upgrading to the Zensor 3.