Best way to spend $1000 on used bookshelf speakers?

I acquired a large monitor I had enjoyed years ago when reviewing it for Dagogo.com, the Wharfedale Opus 2-M2. It has similar wonderful 3" soft dome midrange that has appeal in the ATC and PMC speaker lines. I got my pair for $750 and have them mated to subs. I bought them specifically for the 3" midrange, because that sound cannot be duplicated by other smallish bookshelf speakers using different configurations. Now, I have a dynamic speaker utilizing the 3" soft dome mid and it is set up to perform as a larger floor stander. Nice result, as envisioned.  Best inexpensive speaker system I have used in quite a while. 

The Opus 2-M2 is rare around here. I hadn't seen one for several years, so when it became available, I moved quickly. To obtain similar outcome you may wish to consider an older PMC or ATC speaker.  

Vandersteen VLR's are my pick.
Made to be near corners, like true bookshelf speakers.
CT or non-CT they can really be made to rock. Just add a Belles Aria Integrated, some good Audioquest cables and you're set.
I use mine like monitors in my office and am very happy.
Bob

When shopping for used speakers I prefer speakers that have sealed enclosures -- because you never know what insects or rodents have crawled into the enclosure.   Also, typically sealed enclosure speakers can be set closer to the wall.    In my opinion a speaker that can be set closer to the wall will be a more acceptable with the wife.       A speaker with a higher sensitivity can be paired with smaller and less expensive amplifiers.    Purhaps Klipsch would be a good place to start looking.    Also, smaller and cooler class D amplifiers is less obtrusive in a living room than bigger and hotter class AB amplifiers.   

I have Focal Arias powered by an Audio Research VSI60 tube amp and in my opinion the sound is pretty nice.

Meant to say Focal Aria 906