Looking for Speakers circa 2K

I wanted to thank everyone for their suggestions.  I'm willing to bet I'd be happy with most of these speakers.  I would love be patient enough to find an audio show or store somewhere and audition some speakers.  But I don't roll that way.  About every 20 years I get this itch to switch things up and take some chances, because I've lived most of my adult life without nearby audio stores.  I've been lucky.  I've found good gear remotely that I've wanted to keep. 

So after some discussions with @soix I purchased the Usher Dancer Mini-X speakers.  They are right on the mark.  I really appreciate his time in answering some questions. He's a good guy and really knowledgeable.

I've had the Ushers going for 24 hours or so, and they are certainly a step up from my Paradigms, with beautiful imaging and a nice airy high end.  And surprisingly a good amount of bass on the low end.  In my smallish room, I may not even need a sub. They seem to work well with any acoustic music.  Cuban music especially.  (Big fan of Los Munequitos de Matanzas.)  I'll wait a bit to see what they're like after some more hours on them.  But it looks like I'll be happy for another 20 years.  Again my thanks.

If I were looking in your price range, I would have these on my list.
https://www.musicdirect.com/speakers/ELAC-Adante-AS-61-Bookshelf-Speakers. With the stands, seems like a nice deal.

The open box deal is particularly appealing. These were the flavor of the month, not long ago. Now, dealers are dumping them!. Perfect time to grab a pair. I'm thinking a pair of the floorstanders for the New Year.

Speakers, in particular are a subjective,contentious topic. 

Hi, I am Cuban myself, if you listen to Cuban folk, jazz, americana etc (irakere maybe 😉) midbass is important, I have discovered individual taste especially with speakers it is, well, very individual, try to find a close audio show near your area so you could listen to different speakers etc and have an idea what you like with your regular tracks / programme, I have learned a lot from this site but what I value in sound reproduction, speaker wise sometimes it is completely opposite of what most (reputable) people value.

The show will give you some guidance and it is fun and instructive too

Just my 2 cents

Brand new and below your budget at $1200. Originally retail $4k. I have the Canton tower speakers. Highly musical. You can buy their stands and you will have a great system.

The other speaker is the Salk BMR Monitors at $2.4. Salk makes a great speaker especially if you like ribbon tweeters. 

https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/cantventoref92dcblka/canton-vento-reference-9.2-d...

http://www.salksound.com/model.php?model=BMR+Monitors

Thanks so much for the suggestions. Please keep the ideas coming.

Several good choices available right now. 

On Audiogon:
- Silverline Audio Prelude Plus small floorstanders, $999
- Usher Audio Dancer Mini-X DMD monitors, $2200
- Gershman Acoustics Avante RX20 floorstanders, $1750
- Amphion Audio Argon 3LS floorstanders, $2500

On US Audio Mart:
- Amphion Argon monitors, $1500

All these throw off impressive 3D imaging/soundstage, and all of them will significantly better the Paradigms in all areas.  I think one of the Amphions or the gorgeous Ushers (with a diamond tweeter) would probably be the ones to focus on given your preferences.  Joseph Audio would also be a fantastic choice but nothing available in your price range right now.  ProAc would be another great choice. Hope this helps, and best of luck in your search. 

+1  Spendor  will be a huge jump up from what you have .
Nothing will come close at 1500 $  !

There is a nice pair of Spendor A5R’s floor standers listed here for $1500. They would go perfect with the type of music that you prefer. They are small enough for your room size. I am a long time Spendor owner and always enjoy them . You should grab those Spendors I doubt that you would go wrong with them!!