What's your picks

At that price point, I really liked the KEF LS50 metas.  You can find them used for around $1k

JBL 4309's come to mind. They have received many favorable reviews and can be had on sale for $1400. They are typically $2k.

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.