Best $3,000 speaker/amp combo?

The used NAD M3 and BOSE 901 series 6 mk2's are two of the best bang for the buck products that you are likely to find for the money or for a lot more money. And they are a perfect match too!

Odyssey Audio Cyclops integrated amp. 110 Watts $995 ($1300 with upgrade)
Magnepan MG 1.7 $2000

Rega Mira $1200
Rega RS5 $1600

Exposure 2010S2 $1300
Dynaudio Excite x16 $1600

Nad C 326BEE $500
Spendor 3/1p R2 $2700

Hmm, I don't think there's any substitute for auditoning.

I'll just say that for that space, you'll want full-range speakers - you'll be sad if you get some bookshelves that don't go below 50hz!

If you have the room for a larger speaker then you can get a very big high quality sound with the Philharmonic Audio 1 ebony speaker and a Peachtree Nova.

http://philharmonicaudio.com/philharmonic1.html

If you have less room then I would suggest the Salk Soundbird speaker with a used McCormack 125 amp and a used Modwright preamp.

Bob

Zu Soul Superflys and Redgum RGi120 (outrageously good synergy with this MOSFET amp) or Decware Mini Torii with Dodd Buffer (haven't heard the Mini, but have the full blown Torii 3 and the Mini is supposed to be similarly special with Zu speakers).

I've also greatly enjoyed the pairing of Magnepan 1.6QRs with a Plinius 8200MKII

There is no shortage of great options out there and these are just favorites I've personally achieved rolling amps with speakers I've owned and loved.