Any small speakers equal in sound to Hales Rev III

System matching is everything when it comes to gear ultimately. I could easily see a tube(on top)/Solid state(on the bottom) biamp scenario that would, IMO, sound better than what the Hales Rev III's sound like...to my ears. The Rev III's might have a bit more res of detail(just a tick), but I like the transparancy and neutrality of timber from the 2.9 NHT's! Also, the Bass is tighter. The 2.9's top end is perfect with tubes, and solid state for bass bottom if you want to get tricky. If you don't want this involving, then the Thiel 2.3 or Hals Trans 3's or smaller would work better.
Good luck

For detail and ease of set-up, consider a pair of Talon Audio Khites. They are front ported which minimizes problems with the distance from the wall behind them.

As to detail, I had to replace a number of components to realize their full potential. They are unmerciful in their ability to act as a conduit for what is up-stream of them. They do not hide anything, or add a signiture of their own (that my ears can identify), but if you have a less than precise component up-stream, you will not be happy.

Spendor S3/1p! Small, balanced, COHERENT, fast, and musical.
$1400 new, $800 used.