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
I have the Canton 9k a revealing attractive stand-mounted speaker neutral, resolving, good bass for what it is and as mentioned needs juice but in a small room it is a fine choice. I'm listening in with 70 watts a channel and it is good form most music. 
Those Wharfedale Evo’s are super sweet.  Heard a pair at RMAF and love them.  I’d buy a pair so I can recommend them.

There are many good used speakers for $1500 and under though.  

Ok, heres a few I just found for sale under $1500...

Triangle Gaia
Reference 3aDe Capo BE
KEF R300
Merlin TSM MMe
PBN Montana Model 2
Reference 3a Dulcet BE
Paradigm Signature S1 V3 (BE)
Ascend Acoustics Sierra 2EX
Usher BE718
Vandersteen2ce Sigs with sound anchor stands
Thiel CS3.6

In my own experience, the partnering equipment is so crucial to 1) the final sound achieved and 2) match properly with the speakers. For instance, I've had a KEF LS50 pair matched with a low power budget amp, and I hated them. But it was the cheap cables/DAC/amp that did them in. I think it would be more useful to think about it as a whole system, and it would be helpful for us to know what you have / plan to have for source/pre/amp/cables. Or are you looking for active speakers?