Bookshelf dilemma

The Ascend Acoustic Sierra LX should fit your room, budget and equipment.  It is their newest model.  Read the LX development blog (link at the site), and check user reviews near the end of the blog. Will likely work without subs if so desired.

LS 3/5 

J.M. Reynaud Bliss Silvers.  The best standmounts I’ve had, in my experience, and can be found used for < $1500 if you’re patient.  Great with tubes or SS.

I really don't know how anyone can suggest something meaningful and I will do exactly that: Harbeth. I mean try, not buy.

Polk L200

Sonus Faber Sonetto I

Revel M106 (used or very attractive sale price) then add GR Research upgrade kit should be within your budget

Think about Salk ... I haven't heard them yet but high-praise receivers around these parts!  Fit your price range and look fantastic ... 

Made in SE Michigan ....

Revel M106 if you want transparency, detail and accuracy. 

Find yourself some used Sonus Faber Concertinos.  Excellent.  Probably cost 1k.

Sonus Faber Lumina 1....port is on bottom, great for actual Bookshelf placement. $899 and look stunning. 

Headphones.  Or trade in significant other who doesn't allow floor standers.

KEF R3 - much more 'livable' than the LS50s. Like the difference between racing skiis and advanced recreational skiis. Racing skiis are ultimately more capable, but are very demanding - as a monitor should be. But they are not necessarily the most fun.

How about some ATC SCM 11 V3’s for $1200?  Theres a pair for sale right now

KEF LS50 Metas but maybe a tad small for your space without a sub. Do you want a lot of low end?

I have the same type of room, a little smaller, had Totems for a good while, very lively sound. I switched to Harbeth 30.2, as I had enough self space for them, but the P3 fits the bill oif you need smaller. However, Harbeth's in my opinion, are a bit too laid back for hard rock.  There are so many to choose from and they all sound different. You really need to try and hear a few.

a 2nd vote for Vandy VLR…engineered to be near a wall / surfaces…

Could you put some photos of your system / space in your profile? This would make recommendations much easier.

Check out The BMR Philharmonitor Bookshelf speakers. On the most basic level they meet your requirements, should fit your room just right and should play well w/ the equipment you have on hand.

Reference 3a mm decapo 3k new design.....can be run on tubes 

I like my Warfedale Lintons, I think you will like them. 

Vandersteen VLRs or if you can rise the budget  VLR CTs 

Pre-owned Harbeth P3ESR (pre-XD).

I’ve owned the Spendor A1 and I think it will fit the bill with your budget and room size!

https://spendoraudio.com/a-line-loudspeakers/

To my surprise, AR-2ax’s fit in my bookshelves in my office. I thought I would be using them downstairs.

Only 11-1/2" deep x 13-1/2 x 24" horizontal on a shelf at seated ear level.

Two level controls for mid and tweet help adjust for the space.

Bought pair with well done new linen covers, nice wood, $250. FedEx pack and ship $250. New woofer surrounds, new caps and level controls, new tweeters, new polyfill, $250. parts (I did the work)

Total $750. Best sounding speakers in my office ever.