What is the best audiophile speaker for a tiny square room?

I suggest adding room treatment before doing anything else. I have an 18 x 11 x 8 room that was a sonic disaster before treatment and am now using a combination of diffusion and absorption. The treatment makes the room behave as if much larger than it physically is.

Speakers that are generally thought to need LOTS of space (Sony ES SS-M7) have never sounded better than they do in this environment. I can also say from experience that LS50s can sound horrible in a room that needs treatment.

I also recommend GIK Acoustics. I sent them some room measurements and they suggested a combination of diffusion and absorption. I was skeptical about using any diffusion (how could that help a room that is way too bright?) and ordered Alpha Panels that can be mounted for either diffusion or absorption so that I could try both. I much prefer diffusion.

I was thinking if the room is really small open baffle may not work since you need to bring them away from the back wall. Take a look at the Larson speakers. The are very natural and they go right up against the wall. Some heritage klipsch speakers are also designed to go against the wall and are very efficient.

Rogers 3.5a buy a pair asap.

The Digital Amplifier Company 2Cherry or Meagaschino amplifiers would be a perfect match for your Sound Labs. Tommy does extensive listening and measuring with different types of speakers, one is a large Magnapan. I have had a number of his amps and Dac’s over the years and currently using a 2 Cherry on my Charney Audio Companion Horns. DAC offers a 30 day return policy.

If you are considering a different speaker for your room look into the Charney Audio Maestro Horn with the "Voxativ AC 2.6. They are designed for smaller rooms like yours and deliver on all counts.

Hope you find what your looking for.
https://www.cherryamp.com/

http://charneyaudio.com/index.html

Time to move.