Best Small Speakers

Oh, too many choices...

Along with the Gallo speakers mentioned, I might suggest:

Monitor Audio Radius (mini)
Monitor Audio Studio 2se
Monitor Audio S1, S2

Totem Model 1
Totem Mite (mini monitor)
Totem Rainmaker

Linn Kan (compact)

Epos ELS-3

NHT SB3, SB2, or SB1
NHT M-00 (powered mini)

Silverline SR12, SR15

Thiel Powerpoint

Sonus Faber Concertinos, or Wall

Most, if not all of these used, would be less under $1000, generally being in $300-800 range, with a couple of exceptions (Thiel??) and a couple would be new in the $300 range. I've even seen some Meridian M33's go for $700-800/pr lately.

I'm very happy with Revel M20, they're small, have a special setting for "close-to-wall" placement if necessary, look nice, and the most important - sound extremelly good, from guitar or piano solos - to organ, being driven by a Simaudio I-5 amp & Simaudio Nova CD player.

Hmm, where's Warren?..

I have been repeatedly surprised and impressed by the little Red Rose speakers. Quite musical and not at all boxy in sound... Also I would second the suggestion you consider some of the proac oferings. Other than those I mostly have a list of to-be-avoided small speakers unfortunately...

listen to the totem arros, they are a small floor standing speaker that is about 6" wide. Amazing sound for such a small speaker. they can be setup close to a wall or corner. there is a pair on audiogon right now. if you want bookshelf type speakers, listen to the totem rainmaker or model 1's.

If you are talking Thiel, then you might want to throw the SCS3's into the mix as well. Many of them are sold as center channels (I own one), but as a pair, they are also very impressive. When I decided to put together a small system for my office, the Totem Model 1's were at the top of my list, but then I had an opportunity to hear the ProAc Tablette Reference 8's. These little (and I do mean little!) beauties are amazingly musical and have exceptional low end for their size. After hearing them (with Audio Research gear), I was hooked. I ended up ordering the Signature series, and I am currently using them with an all Arcam FMJ system in my office (keeping it British!). I wholeheartedly agree with the comment that the better the associated components, the better the ProAc's (and Thiels) sound. On the flip side, from what I could tell, the Totem's were more forgiving. They sounded very impressive with even the entry level Cambridge Audio components.