What’s hot in monitors from $2K to $3K in 2012?


Hi folks… yeah, it’s been a while and this looks like my next quest. Any help would be greatly appreciated as I’ve been out of the loop for a bit.

I suppose I’m looking now, for some monitors to use as mains for audio mostly but for some movie time too. About 60/40 split, music – films.

They should reach down to 35hz flat. Disappear. Be neutral and as transparent as is possible for speakers at this level. 8 ohm preffered. 90db sensitivity should work, give or take a db. Imaging too is a biggie for me… but always, always, it’s about naturalness. Lifelike. Organic sounding.

Room is about 14 x 20 with speakers on the short wall. Power is by 150 – 170 wpc amps, depending on the mood. Currently it’s either a 150 x 5 Butler multi, or a 170 wpc Odyssey Stratos plus SS. Hopefully I’ll add a good digital pair of mono blocks later on like BC 500s.

Floor standers or stand mounted will work, but prefer something on stands I suppose. I think I’d like that look better.

Thanks for any thoughts on speaker choices within this criteria… or near it.
blindjim
I don't know about "hot", but I would certainly consider used Merlin TSMs in that price range.
All thoughts here are immensely welcomed. Thanks very much.

I have a lead on what some folks regard highly in monitors. They have a powered 8" bass driver w/300+ wpc. Mid & co ax tweeter. $$$ Affordable. New. I'm bad with faces and now with names too it appears. I'll post it soon as I get/recall it/them.
You mean the Sounfield Monitor Audio1?. They have received great reviews on AudioCircle. And their only $1350 or less. Great bargain!
Is Soundfield using a KEF UniQ driver for the mid/tweet? Interesting approach. Take a very fast and linear almost full-range coaxial and add a powered woofer to flesh out the bottom.