smaller speaker suggestions


As many of you know one of the keys to a happy marriage is having the ability to say "yes dear".
I've been "asked" to downsize the size of speakers from the current Spendor SP1/2's (24t x 12w x 12d) to ?
The room is 13 feet wide by 16 feet.
Amp: Musical Fidelity A308cr with a Audio Research LS15 pre.
Musical taste - very eclectic (no head banging/rap/opera)
Speaker attribute - along the lines of the Spendor which I feel is best described as "musical".
Limited to a spacing of no more than two feet off the wall.
Speakers will reside on the narrow wall.
Now I realize it will be my ears that are the deciding factor as to what is purchased however I'd like some suggestions from those out in cyberspace that have already gone through the trials and tribulations of choosing a smaller speaker.
3k a pair is the upper spending limit.
Thanks in advance for any and all insightful responses.
128x128hbarrel
Small speakers would always need stands, which dwarf the size of the speakers anyway. Have you come up with a solution to that first?
You have enough power for Sonus Faber Cremona Auditor, but those might stretch your budget (used).
If you come across Red Rose "Ruby" then you ought to give them a try as well. Both sets offer an extended and dynamic sound, including a respectable bass response.
My vote goes for the great look of the Cremona, unless it's still too big...
Check out Royds. Sounds like you like the British speakers already and these little ones are really cool. Hard to find in the USA but they are designed for small rooms and can be placed near the back wall with no sound problems. I heard the Doublets and Minstrel SEs and was VERY impressed with their bass and musicality.

They are little (most of them) but are considered floorstanders.

http://www.roydloudspeakers.com/main.htm

Good luck! Arthur
Thanks.
About the stands, we do realize they are a necessary evil.
She just wants something that doesn't "look" so large.
I'd imagine there might even be some small towers that would fit the bill. I don't know about placement when it comes to towers.
She thinks 24" x 12" x 12" is big?! Take her to a store and show her what "big" really is!
How about down-sizing her area of the home? Like, "Get outta' my music room woman!!!" :-)
You might also explain that even if you do get a smaller speaker, you have to put it on a stand, which takes up the same amount of room anyway.
Suggestions? Gawd, there are so many choices. There are probably more speakers available than anything in Audio. Browse through the threads on this forum, look at show reports, which have pictures and comments. Then research the one that intrigue you.
If you have to put them close to the wall, rear-porting is not a good idea. Wilson Benesch makes a good little speaker called the ARC, which is bottom-ported, and looks very sharp. http://www.wilson-benesch.com/arc/arc.html
She let's me go play golf ANY time I want and never reminds me about her levity.
For that alone I'm willing to make sacrifices.