I'll ask Uncle Erik for $1000 used speaker options
Are we talking gear or all audio related stuff? I wouldn't mind another 100-200 CDs.
Except I'd go DIY. Since I don't have too many speakers and no unfinished projects
, I'd order drivers for the Zaph|Audio ZRT. I'm quite impressed with the measurements and attention to the design.
Either that or drivers for Troels Gravesen's OBL11. Maybe I'd just go for the OBL11 because I already have a pair of nice two-way floorstanders. The OBL11 is special because it's an open baffle with a 15" woofer. That might be the last word in getting great bass without having to fool with subs. Also, for a time back around when the ESL-57 was released, speakers like these were considered strong competition.
I'd also put the ProAc Response 2.5 clones on the table. I'm not sure about driver availablity today, but the parts and cabinets can be pulled together for about $900-$1,000. They're a load of fun with remarkable bass.
It is hard to believe people spend this much on cables. No one has been able to tell the difference in blind studies.
But $900
will pull down a kick-butt pair of speakers. Why buy something that might make a very slight difference (assuming you haven't been conned with a garden hose) when you can get performance about as good as anything out there?
If you skip the snakeoil and build a few things, you can have a reference-level setup for speakers and headphones, as well as a turntable, for $2,000-$3,000. Audio is actually pretty cheap today.
I don't understand why people drop $1,000 or more on silly little magical charms for an iPod while shying away from a
real stereo that rocks. Well, not just rock, but also nail classical, jazz and anything else you throw at it.