On the basis of pure sonics, you won't find anything much better than the Vandersteen 2ce or 1c in your price range. However, they are not very good looking speakers. If you want a nice wood finish, suggest you investigate the Vienna Acoustics Bach. THe Proac Studio series may also work but they are hard to find. Also hard to find, but nice looking and good sounding is the Ruark Prologue.
2-Way Floorstander, $1500
My listening room is 12x16, I am looking for suggestions for quality floorstand monitors, new or used, F3<40Hz, preferably veneer finish, for quality, digitally amplified system, digital front end. Thinking about Quad 21L, Dynaudio Audience 62, Totem Hawk. Comparisons? Thank you.