[starbux48]

 

Help! The more I read the more confusing it gets. I do NOT have any way to audition any equipment unfortunately. Have bought an Onkyo A-9555 integrated amp to play music from my Macbook Pro, getting an HRT Music Streamer II also. Have about $400 and change I can put into some speakers.

Almost bought some Polk, now onto Definitive Technology Studio Monitor 450's. They retail around $670 but can buy some at the lower price.

Not as concerned about movie/blu-ray playback as I am my music files. Mostly lossless, some Mp3s, all going through the Mac/Onkyo/HRT gear.

 

[sridhar3]

Might get better speaker help on the Cables/Power/Tweaks/Speakers/Accessories Forum.
 
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/list/21/cables-power-tweaks-speakers-accessories-dbt-free-forum

 

[juman231]

I've been thinking about buying the Swan M200MKIII myself. Exactly $399 at theaudioinsider.
 

 

[ETAHL]

There might still be some new discontinued Energy RC-10 floating around for about $300.
For the price, nothing can touch them.
Here is a review: http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/energy_rc10.htm
 
Another great company that got trashed after being bought by a bigger competitor.

 

 

[WarriorAnt]

Check these out.
 
http://www.stereotimes.com/speak051711.shtml

 

[mohinder]

Lots of choice used for under $400.  Dynaudio?  Maybe some NHT SuperOnes used (about $250 for a pair).

 

[samh]

i've read some good things about the magnepan mmg w, but have no firsthand experience to speak of

 

[barleyguy]

Some good options to look at:
 
Wharfedale Diamond 10.1
Gallo Acoustics Nucleus Micro Ti
Tannoy Reveal 601P Passive Studio Monitors
Behringer Truth B2031P Passive Studio Monitors
Magnepan MMG
 
Most of those will need a subwoofer for anything below 80 hz or so.  But they'll be much better to start with than a cheap 2.1 system, and you can add a sub later.
 
( I haven't auditioned those particular models, but I've heard other models from those manufacturers, and those models all have great reviews.)
 

 

[Lenni]

buy used from Audiogon classified for more value.
 
quick search: PSB Image B6 ; ERA D4

 

[Tuberoller1]

Look into some monitors (not sure of model number) from axiom audio

 

[Pricklely Peete]

If you do go with Maggie MMG's make sure the Onkyo is comfortable delivering power at 4 ohms and can supply a fair amount of current for those speakers at that impedance. The MMG's are also the hardest of those listed thus far to place in a room...they need room to breath in your space (being dipole types)...if you need to place your speakers close to a wall then a dynamic book shelf  (or dynamic hybrid) would be a better fit.
 
Peete.