denverdrummer
I have a set of Mackie MR5 mark 1's.  I've been very pleased with them and got them at a steal, as the mark 2's had been introduced.

Same for me.  Really quite impressed with the clarity, depth, and power of these guys!  And my mixes on them seem to "travel" quite well. Very happy with the purchase!

Thanks for all your input guys.
 
On further reflection and research I have decided if I spend EUR250.00 on monitors I am basically buying garbage.
 
I have decided to increase my budget and so far I am leaning heavily towards JBL LSR308's
I make mostly bass heavy dance music so getting the low end is important (this is the reason I am going for the 8" models rather that the 5") - am I right in thinking the larger woofer size will better meet this need?
 
I would welcome opinions on some of the others in the same price range :
 
Adam F7
Tannoy Reveal 802
Yamaha HS7 (which are around EUR150.00 cheaper)
 
I have read the other usual forums like KVR and Gearslutz and while there are a lot of opinions out there it seems to be a total minefield and I do value the opinions of the users of this forum.

Do you know about Thomann
http://www.thomann.de/gb/...ld_monitors&oa=pra

I think that is a wise choice and you will enjoy those monitors for much longer than the really cheap ones.
I've heard good things about the Adams but am not personally familiar with any of those specific models.
Again, if you have the possibility, go have a listen for yourself, and bring some music you know well (and that is representative of what you do).

Agreed that 8" is the ideal woofer size if you don't have a separate subwoofer. Anything smaller is going to leave unheard mysteries in the low end.
 
However, there are advantages to using smaller speakers with a separate sub. During mixing, it actually helps to remove the extreme low end so you can concentrate on the vastly more-important (regardless of genre) midrange. Most subs come with footswitches so you can easily switch them in and out. In terms of cost, the sub's going to run you between $400 and $1200, but stepping up to the next tier of monitors is going to be an even greater increase. And you have the option of buying the main speakers now and adding the sub later.

Also depends on the size of the room. I've had bad experiences with a sub in a room that is too small.

Sanderxpander
Also depends on the size of the room. I've had bad experiences with a sub in a room that is too small.

and also how load you can use the monitors.  I would rather mix on smaller speakers if I can't turn up the volume because of neighbours etc.  If you can monitor at decent levels, in a decent sized room with decent acoustics then yes 8" woofers would be good.

Since the OP asked, I've got to give lots of love to the Adam F7's as they are the best purchase I have made for my humble studio in years (I moved from Event 20/20's and Mackie monitors). The tweeter is the exact same one as the ones used in the AX line and is crazy detailed.  The low end is no slouch either. $950 for a set of monitors is on the expensive side, but IMHO totally worth it.

 
I vote for spending some money in treating the best room you can get hold of, then spending time positioning the monitors and yourself properly with respect to this room.
 
Bass heavy dance music won't be easy if your room isn't fairly huge.
 
See http://www.gearslutz.com/board/studio-building-acoustics/ for full details.

So much advice.... don't over think it.  Get the LSR308s.  I personally 100% guarantee you will love them.