I have a pair of Harbeth P3ESR's in my computer room. Due to space limitations, they are in corners, about a foot from the wall. Wood paneling, no treatments (yet) of any kind and they sound as good or better than my main system. Sealed design, well within your budget. I have mine matched up to an inexpensive SVS SB12-NSD sub. The room is about 12' X 12'
Bookshelf Speakers that have to be up against the wall
My very first posting, so be gentle. Looking to upgrade my bookshelf speakers, say to a max of 3k or so. I have an old mcintosh amp and pre. plenty of power. I now have to put my speakers against the wall and the ported ones I have now don’t ‘bloom’ now, they sound a bit muffled - they lost most of their imaging. I think because they are ported in the back also aside from being against the wall. I’d like to hear from anyone who has had that problem and recommendations from those with knowledge of solving this issue.