ATC SCM 7 V.3 and

@yogiboy LS3/5a was my shortlisted speakers like Harbeth, Rogers, etc. But they are above $1800 budget . Will scout for used perhaps, I like musical speaker , listening to music, natural timbre and not equipment. thanks for your recommendation 

@lanx0003 thanks for your advise on damping factor on bass impact.  I am not lean on bass, just that I hope E280 / SCM7 can produce as wide frequency range as possible.  I will go for audition soon and will see .
 

Talking about near field, I am sitting less than 2m from Sonus Faber Concertino Domus with 2.2m between the speakers with slight toe in.  

Test the JBL 4309, blew my SCM20 out of the water. Bought the JBL.

These Falcon Acoustics Q7 are sold factory direct and are within your budget. My nephew owns the larger IMF 100s and they are outstanding. They are sold in both kit or finished. They might be worth looking into!

https://www.falconacoustics.co.uk/q7-completeathome-loudspeaker-system.html

Here is a review!

https://www.the-ear.net/review-hardware/falcon-q7-standmount-loudspeaker-kit

Its really close to my specs room wise...you know what you want out of your system...Good stands and setup properly you may achieve a great sound stage with the scm 7.They may surprise you.Option to upgrade would be good.

I ended up toeing in enough to eliminate 1st reflection/just over shoulder.

Op, let us know please the outcome of auditioning.  Maybe I could use it as reference for my quest for scm bookshelf 😀