Time to upgrade my 10 year old Alesis M1 speaker monitors and would like a big improvement on sq.
 
I am using it with MacbookPro/JRiver --> Matrix X-Sabre DAC --> Darkvoice 3322 HP Amp.
 
Any suggestion for which most suitable under $1000 active speakers for my DAC/AMP?  ...  
 
Your advise would be much appreciated.
 
Thanks
 
 

Lots and lots of options within that budget, I would start researching heavily before buying anything.  Are you trying to fill a room with sound or do you want to listen sat at a desk.  How big is the room?  Do you want a 2.0 or 2.1 set up?  Where in the world are you as prices can vary a great deal depending on location?
 
I would look for a local pro audio store in your area or a national supplier, I am outside the US but I here http://www.guitarcenter.com/ and http://www.sweetwater.com/ are pretty big names.  There is nothing like listening with your own ears and photo's never do justice compared to seeing things side by side.
 
Some brands to give serious thought are ADAM, Genelec, Focal, KRK, Dynaudio, Mackie plus a few more but these 6 would cover your budget constraints completely.   
 
Worth considering most of these speakers are designed for critical listening in a production environment and they can sound a little flat/cold compared to more hi-fi set-ups.  This is why I recommend a personal audition, I may be over-stating this issue a little because your ears do adapt to a change in set-up very quickly and you can always EQ to add more warmth if things sound too flat. 

This is for my home office where I spend lots of time sitting.
My computer desk is about 2.2m wide, 1m deep and my current studio monitors are on the stands at the edges of the desk. The distance in between the monitors are about 2.5m. They are toed in about 30deg to the middle where I seat - the new monitors will have to be placed at the same spots where my current monitors are.
 
I don't use my Alesis for studio/mixing work anymore so I am now really looking for a HiFi active speakers for music entertainment in between headphone sessions.
 
I'd like to have heavy and punchy low freq in low volume. Maybe similar sq to my HD800. Would like to try not to use EQ if possible.
 
Btw, I am in Australia.
 
Thanks

Well Aus is a huge place and I am sure it can be difficult finding a place where you can audition without a long drive.  If you really want the bass extension I would possible look at some KRK RP8's as they are fairly musical IMO compared to some others and can deliver some real low end punch.  These are also front ported, ideal for speakers placed near a wall, and should fall within your budget.
 
I dont know how prices vary in Aus or indeed availability of some brands so you may have a more limited choice.  

a couple options within your price range would be -
 
Paradigm Shft A2
 
Adam ARTist 3 
 
 
or if you can add a small amp, check Audiogon classified...
i.e.
http://new.audiogon.com/listings/monitors-amphion-ion-silver-black-available-2013-09-12-speakers-91724
http://new.audiogon.com/listings?filter_category_id=9&member_name=underwoodwally
 
I doubt you'll find speakers under $1k with similar sq to the HD800...

lenni said:

a couple options within your price range would be -

Paradigm Shft A2

Adam ARTist 3 

Click to expand...

Add KEF X300A to that list.

cel4145 said:

Add KEF X300A to that list.

Click to expand...

 
yes, that's another option, for sure. the reason I haven't included them is because after reading What Hi-Fi review, I was left feeling these were somewhat underperformers. not that one should based their choices on what a magazine says, but What Hi-Fi tends to be biased toward british product, ime, so I don't take lightly them giving them four stars - but most other reviews seem to be quite positive. go figure.
 
another thing is the X300A's have an in-built DAC, which cannot be bypassed. some people would prefer to use their own DAC - but if one is already satisfied with their sound, then it might don't matter too much.
 
 
[edit: honestly, I haven't heard any of these speakers, mine are sort of educated guesses at best]

Thanks for all replies.
I finally increased my budget and purchased Dynaudio Focus 110A.
So far loving the sound.