Considering used towers under $1000..

Monitor Audio Silver can be found in that range. Smallish, but refined.

For example 
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis96fjj-monitor-audio-silver-6-loudspeakers-new-in-box-5-yr-warra...
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis97heh-monitor-audio-silver-6-floorstanding-loudspeakers-rosenut...

A pair of Gershwin Sonograms just popped on from a dealer in NJ who posts here often. I heard these once at a show and thought they sounded very, very good for the money. He is asking $1800 but you may be able to grab them somewhere close to your budget. As I recall, a very balanced, capable speaker that you would have a hard time beating for that kind of money.

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis96ejg-t-a-criterion-t160-loudspeaks-top-german-made-seakers-ful...

It will be fresh experience.