The EV is not a bad option if that's the price you want to be at. I had one at first, but returned it and got the RCF instead. I didn't feel like I needed a pair, so in terms of total cost, I was looking at half of what you are any way you go. But in terms of quality vs price, the equation is the same. I'm very pleased having gone to the RCF, and I felt it was worth upgrading. But to anyone whose budget isn't able to support the RCF, I really do feel the EV is an outstanding option at its price. I also liked the Yamaha DSR12, which is $100 more. Read more about my thoughts and those of others here:
http://forum.fractalaudio.com/amps-...vs-ev-elx112p-first-thoughts-mini-review.html
I do enjoy the properties that a coax brings, but I'm don't think a speaker is automatically better because it's a coax. A good two way should be a better choice than an OK-Bad coax. Again, I haven't heard the FBT first hand, I've just read some people saying it isn't that good. I think that if $1000 for a pair of speakers is the neighborhood you're comfortable with, you won't beat the EVs. I can't compare the FBTs to them, but from what I've read, I would not assume that the FBTs are better simply because they're coax.
If you have some room to go up, you could also look at the RCF NX-10-SMA instead. I had a hard time deciding which to go with, and I eventually went with the 12 just because I do like playing heavier stuff and wanted to make sure I had plenty of low end. But even there, everything I read about the 10s said they were very, very close to the 12.
Finally, another consideration would be how badly you need two speakers, at least initially. If it's a concern with spending that much money on speakers just as a general principle, this doesn't help, but if it's about cash flow, maybe having one nice speaker is better than having two mid-range speakers. When you've recovered from purchasing one and your cash flow allows it, get the second one. If you do have any doubts as to how happy you'll be with a pair of EVs, you're better off spending the money on a single RCF now, and adding the second one later. You'll spend less than buying two EVs, finding you want the RCFs, and having to sell them, presumably at some loss, to buy two RCFs. Again, this is assuming it's just an immediate cash flow question, and assuming you don't strongly need two right away. Of course, if you go with the EV pair and it turns out you're totally satisfied with them, you'll spend less that way. I certainly could have been happy with the EVs, I just wanted to move up to the next level. I'm glad I did, but everyone has to look at their finances and where they want to put their money.
