In your price range you may want to consider B&W M803 Series II, or M802 Series III, and put them on sound anchor stands. You did not mention what music you listen to or your associated equipment, but my experience is these two are generally good for the price, especially the 803's at around $1,000. The silverlines should also be a good choice as mentioned above, and of course the Merlin's if you can swing the price. I will generalize and suggest in your smallish room, speakers with multiple small/mid sized drivers should do what you want better than something with one larger driver, and I would also suspect front firing bass drivers would be better, as opposed to your side-firing drivers on the AP's. Maybe also look at Taylor Lynbrook monitors on stands, and also some room treatment. just my 2 cents.