Versatile, non-fatiguing speakers for a small room under $1500 used or new: advice needed!


Hi, first post here! And not a very original one, my apologies!:)

So after years of listening to music through miscellaneous mid-fi solutions, I am finally thinking about dipping my toes in hi-fi audio and putting together a dedicated stereo setup. Currently I am looking at speakers, and my head is already aching from the abundance of options, so I am looking for suggestions from you guys, primarily from those of you who have had first-hand experience building a stereo in a small room like mine and achieved results they are happy with.

My room is pretty small (approx. 13’ x 10’), and I will be placing my speakers along the long wall. My listening position will be 6 feet away, give or take; plus the speakers will have to sit fairly close to the front wall. 15 inches from the back of the speaker would be nice, but if needed, I definitely I could move them out farther into the room (up to 20 inches from the back of the speaker), for listening sessions and then move them back again. There are several rows of shelves , filled with CDs and stuff, in the middle of the back wall above my head (not wall-to-wall though) - would that work as dispersion? I’m thinking of applying some room treatment behind the speakers, and on the right-hand side wall as well (if needed) - on the left hand side is a window covered with thick curtains.

Budget: under $1500 used or new.
I listen to all kinds of music, primarily rock of all eras and subgenres (blues/folk/prog/hard/art/psych/indie, etc), jazz, blues, classical, acoustic, singer-songwriters, female vocal, 80s new wave/post punk, some heavy metal. So the speakers need to be as versatile as possible. As someone who likes rock music, the bass is important, but I live in an apartment (neighbors!), so I have to find the right balance there as I don’t want to overload the room - the bass has to be there but under control and not boomy. I want as big a sound as possible in my small room without overpowering it. In general, I’m looking for engaging, non-fatiguing, dynamic sound with good midrange and tone, with enough punch to rock out when needed, nuance to play softer, more sparse types of music, and resolution so the details in fast complex passages don’t get lost or smeared. Not a fan of excessive brightness, sibilance, or harshness in the upper midrange.

I’m primarily looking at standmounts, but maybe certain smaller floorstanders would be fine? I’ve seen opinions claiming floorstanders are the way to go, regardless of the size of the room. What do you think would be preferable in my situation - apartment with neighbors, 13’x10’ room, long wall positioning, distance to speakers about 6 feet, maybe less?

Thanks!
mermaid_smiles
as mentioned previously, omega loudspeakers and a low wattage zero feedback set amp will give you glorious tunes!
Vandersteen VLR's would be my rec.-Especially if you can put them near the corners of the room.
Don't let the size and simple design fool you, these speakers can rock with the right equipment, like a Belles Aria integrated. Add a Sub 3, and AQ cables and you'll have a system that will give many higher priced systems a run for the money.
Bob
I decided to get rid of my Samsung sound bar and do an audiophile grade 2 channel system in my 12x 16 bedroom. I chose the Martin Logan Motion 20s. (about $800) These recently discontinued speakers sound identical to their replacements the Motion 20i (about $1400). They are unobtrusive 3 way towers; sound amazing for the price and easily light up the room with 100 wpc of clean power. For good measure I added a small center channel and sub for LFE for movie watching.
I’m in a very similar boat with the exact same budget! I’ve been looking closely at the Wharfedale EVO 4.3 but haven’t heard them yet - I’m a full range floor-stander fan. Interested to see what others recommend!
I'll throw out the Golden Ear line of bookshelf/standmount speakers for the OP's consideration. I have a set of Aon 2s that I've been very pleased with. They are quite neutral sounding with surprisingly deep bass, very smooth treble and a lifelike midrange. They list for $900 a pair new. GE also has the slightly larger Aon 3, and they just recently brought out the BRX standmount that is about the same size, but uses the drivers from their Reference line of speakers. These list for $1,600 a pair.

Our local GE dealer offers discounts off of list price. I'm actually thinking of upgrading from the 2s to the BRXs, but haven't made a final decision yet.