Best $3,000 speaker/amp combo?

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.