Low priced giant killers

Said it before and I'll say it again, find a used pair of Acoustic Energy Aesprit AE-300s. Less than half what your willing to spend. Extended bass, fabric tweeter for smooth highs and natural midrange; you can't go wrong. Resell them if you don't like them. I owned the VR-1s and thought these were a much better sounding speaker. My 2 cents.

The smaller Magnepans {MMG or 10-12s} or a DIY from Parts Express using the Dayton Audio Reference drivers {$600/pr}.

Platinum Audio Solo's are quite fine, and you really get to enjoy the bass foundation in all your recordings. Because the company is gone, the used price is in the $600 range. Your 90 watt tube amps are going to be able to power these in their sleep, as I used 35 watts per channel in a twelve by fifteen foot room, and never felt restricted dynamics or extension, despite some Audiogon warnings that only mega-amps need apply.
There was something very special about the overall presentation that really could fool listeners into guessing their used price must be much higher.

Used, obviously, Magnepan IIIa's. Nothing else mentioned is in the same league. Read old reviews of these. We just helped a buddy put in a budget home theater and found some of these. Just a tremendous speaker.

I agree with Albert on the Kirksaeter Silverline 60's. Also, the Totem Tabu used is just above that range. A very capable monitor.