Monitors for around $1000-1200ish a pair

[fivestarstudios]

Get a pair of used Genelec 1030's or 1031's (even better) and be done with it-
I very much agree with the concept of there being a "standard" par for the course monitir, NS-10's are a bummer for me, so I'm elated to find 1031's in most studios in LA-

[mixerguy]

Originally Posted by James Lehmann

For $1000 Actives I'd take the Blue Sky ProDesks until I hear something better for the price.

As far as I know I have written the most detailed user review of the ProDesks you'll find anywhere on the web, and remember it's written voluntarily by an actual customer as opposed to a magazine or site reviewer.

Since I wrote my review Blue Sky have upgraded the ProDesk SAT 5 to a MkII version (more details here) so a good thing just got even better!

no no no

event SP8's are MUCH better, in my opinion.

and i've directly compared them at a pals studio

[Ashofapheonix]

Wow Events and Mackies sure are popular arond here. If your space is treated a good one to look into some good hifi speakers, that are okay for mixing.
B&W 602 S3 with a Rotel RB-1050 (or any high current rotel) would be a good start and cost you a 1000$. B&W is geared towared audiophiles and home theater but still finds its way into studios, which tells you something about them. (The really highend ones are currently being used by abbeyroad).
A good amp makes a huge difference with passive monitors. These are not nearfields they are standard throws, and treatment and a larger control room.

For nearfields Dyna Audio BMA5, ADAM A7s or Artists or Genelec 8000 Series. I think these are a step above the yamaha's, event and KRK V Series. Some say there better than the mackies, I've never heard the mackies so I'll refrain comment. Honourable mention to Tannoy.

However your room has spikes as much as 30DB from natural frequency response, so it doesnt matter if you have the worlds flattest monitor, if you have an untreated room. If it came down to it, I'd treat your room, and buy stuff like the Yamaha HS80M or a KRK V4, and invest in treatment.