Active woofers? Well, years back, Home Theater Magazine did a $3k system face off" between 3 of the writers. The one that won the challenge used some then current Boston Acoustics powered mini tower speakers, which used some 8" active woofers, driven by a Jolida 40watt/ch tube integrated amp!! The same system looped in a simple DD Yamaha AV receiver for movie dubties, and processing DD/DTS sources. This system won because of the excellent mating between the more refined sounding tube amplifier, and the efficient dynamic clear sound of the semi active speakers.
Well I know Definitive Technology made a similar type of speaker that retailed for $500 ea, or $1000/pr, range. They, I believe, were the BP2006tl's. These, while not Dappolito (woofer-over tweeter-over woofer), still offer quite strong dynamics, and a clear, workable sound, similar to the sound of the Bostons - which sound better with tubes. Mated with some little tube integrated amp, you would have an excellent sound, with pretty darn good dynamics for rock! It's a thought. Of course, then were talking no system EQ here - which, in your tiny room, would be a HUGE benefit, indeed.
Since your room is so tiny, you will DEFINITELY need the benefit of the newer Audyssey technology! So, you could jump on one of the Denon AVR-688's or 1708's on ebay for around $285-300 range, and mate them with similar speakers I described. Then, you might even look into finding some innexpensive tube integrated or amp to mate up with em down the line - which you could then loop the Denon into for movies. I think it's a thought.
Other route is to go with some high efficiency Klipsch RF-5's(?), with the same Denon combo - maybe trying the tube amp in the system, down the line.
It's going to be hard to keep a low budget, and still get you full range speakers, room eq, and quality sound! You go with certain combo's, and then you need more amplifier, separates amps, more expensive speakers, and so on...so it's tough.
Actually, your challenge here, for a cheap budget, with great dyanmic sound,and quality overall sound, is the floor standing speakers, sans the sub! I could get better quality in some nice bookshelves, adding a great deal on some little 8" or 10" sub
hope tis heps...
