Quote Originally Posted by rsxgamer
1. bass response
2. highs that are not harsh (I hear this is a characteristic of metal tweeters)
3. a nice midrange (never had that before)
4. available in black finish
1. Naturally, this is relative term. These are monitors after all and the laws of physics are going to be against pulling real bass out of limited cabinet and driver dimensions.
2. Please don't succumb to other people's opinions. The worst thing you can do is form preconceived ideas of what something should or should not sound like based on heresy. I've heard harsh, sibilant soft domes just as often as I've heard smooth, laid back metal domes. It's the application and the skill of the designer that count. Form your own opinion.
3. Well yeah!
4. Any particular reason?

Read this thread for some great suggestions for monitors in your price range. My faves are the Epos ELS3, Paradigm Studio 20 v3, and Von Schweikert VR1's. Note that the VR1's actually play to 40hz (-3dB), which for a speaker with a 13" footprint is absolutely extraordinary. If you want decent bass in a monitor, this is it. You can find them used on audiogon for around $650 ($1,200 new).

Hope this helps.