Before buying anything, I'd first tinker with speaker placement. That can change the sound significantly, more than tone controls even. Bring them out from confined spaces, toe in or out, change the spacing between them, etc. If after that you still don't dig it, then move on different speakers. I'd be looking at the local used market. Your dollar will go some much further. $1200 could get you something quite spectacular. But if you really want new, I'd think about Wharfedale Eco 4.2, JBL L52, KLH Model 3, Q Acoustics Concept 30. Of course, this is based on knowing nothing...room size, confined placement, etc. For example, if you don't have the space to get them away from the wall, I'd stay away from any rear-ported cabinets.

The Klipsch RP (Reference Premiere 8000F II would exactly fill your budget. The older Klipsch RP 8000F at $429 apiece would save you some coin. I recommend giving them a listen. It is important to follow manufacturing “breakin period” guidelines and let whatever speakers you buy. Some might disagree whether speakers need this, but I’ve never been sorry about playing it careful in the beginning. Particularly for heavy metal.

These speakers can be heard in a number of plaves to see if they are too your liking. With high sensitivity they will be easy to drive. If possible, ask to hear them on amplification that can approximate your Cambridge Audio. Try to listen to the speakers at the same distance fom the listening seat as you do from home. Bring a tape measure. See how far from the wall they need to be as well. Good hunting!

[quote=diezman]First of all, I am not an audiophile. I just don't have the kind of money for very high end equipment.

You’re in good hands! Everyone is an audiophile they just don’t know it yet! And you don’t have to spend a lot to have a lot of fun.

With a few questions this can narrow your search…some great advice from the previous posters.

How big is the room and are you looking for something specific i.e. floor standing speakers vs bookshelf.

Hi diezman,
I'll second hoytis by saying, evaluate your listening room first. Even hi-end systems can be disappointing if the room is bad. There are many room treatment manufacturers, and you could spend just as much on diffusers, bass traps, etc. as on electronics. But some changes can cost little or nothing.
The first mistake many people make is placing the speakers too close to a wall. Start by getting them out into the room and 3 feet from any reflective surface. Then, try changing the toe-in. Point the tweeters directly at your ears, then incrementally toe them out. You may be surprised.