What's your picks

Buchardt Audio S400 MKIIs......about $1,700 used. I've had them for a couple of years, and am still loving their sound. Wide and high soundstage (though average on depth), really good instrument location and separation, nice tight and detailed bass, and extraordinary mids, vocals are a standout. There are dozens of positive reviews to be found.

They do not have a port, but instead have a passive radiator which allows them to be close to the front wall....I have mine about 14" right now.

I heard these at the Pacific Audio Fest and I gotta tell you, I was impressed:

https://vanatoo.com/shop/speakers/transparent-one-encore/

I don't even need a pair and I wanted to buy them. And later on if you move, you can pair with a sub and they're really amazing. Happy hunting!

Happy listening.

Magnepan LRS+ or .7 might be a good recommendation if you like that sound and have the proper amplification. I'm certainly having fun with my .7's and I've had probably close to a dozen speakers. 

the two main options in this price range are to go with an entry model of a boutique brand or the middle of the road model of a commercial brand, and mostly I mean used.

such as

boutique | mainstream

Fritz          Dynaudio

Spatial      Klipsch

Totem        Revel

Buchardt   Polk

Nola          Wharfedale

etc....

I had a pair of Magnepan 1.7i in a room that size an the sound was exceptional. You should be able to find a used pair in that range. Hopefully you have the space to properly set them up. I have since moved up to the 3.7i in the same room.