Looking for suggestions on best small footprint speaker under $4K

You should consider the Quad Z4 they are $4,200.00 and they are exceptional. They were originally $5,000 a pair and they use one of the best ribbon tweeters in the industry, they throw a huge soundstage and are very transparent without being bright. They also have good bass are easy to drive and look stunning.
https://www.avforums.com/review/quad-z-4-floorstanding-speaker-review.13516

We sell a number of great speakers in this price point from Kef, Dali, Paradigm and the Quads are our favorite for this price range.

They have won  loudspeaker of the year in the UK for 2016 


Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ Quad dealers

Former Maggie fan here - went to GoldenEar and LOVE them. I think the 2+/3+ are actually very attractive, in a minimalist modern sort of way. 

But if you can't stand the looks of the GE Tritons I'd suggest you take a look at Nola speakers - either the Brio Trio or Boxers. Highly musical, unboxy and a bargain. I had Alons (now Nola) about 10 years ago and they were  terrific. For someone moving from planars to cones and domes, Nolas are a must audition.

I concur with bhmg, Watkins Gen 4 are outstanding speakers.

https://www.watkinsstereo.com/

Anything from Jim Salk:
http://www.salksound.com/

I have the dynaudio special forty's and love them. Sound incredible and look the part. Try and audition a pair you won't regret it

Try to find some used ProAc 148s. Or, get some ProAc DT8. Add some Soundocity SEV9 outriggers. See my system page. 

miamiangler,

I just heard the ATC SCM V2 speakers at a store. I didn’t hear the best amps with them and they were still very impressive. They list at $7000, but there is a very nice pair of satin black finished cabinets on right now right at your budget. These speakers are extremely dynamic with great kick in the bass and midrange clarity that allows you to hear everything. The highs are also very nice. These speakers are not fatiguing in the least. ATC makes some of the best studio monitors anywhere and are used by more recording studios than any other maker. I was very tempted and I own an awesome pair of Vapor Joule Black speakers. The footprint of the ATC speakers is less than 1sq. ft. The cabinet is very dense. And the speakers are great to listen to sitting or standing. They are only 42" H. They do weight 78 lbs. They have nicely curved sides. They have all the qualities of a top audiophile speaker but sound potent like a pro model speaker. If I ever choose to downsize my rig, they will be THE speakers to beat.

Bob

With your interest in B&W I’d suggest looking at used 804’s or 805’s

Right you are kalali, Maggies take over anything smaller than a ballroom .

I have a pair of Salk Song3 speakers. They sound excellent. They are probably the best looking speakers made. They cost around 3k. I bought them after going to the Axpona audio show and thinking they had the best sound in the place.

Small footprint means different thing to different people. Magnepans may (technically) have a "small" footprint per square inch but take up a lot of room and need a lot of room behind them to sound any good. Same with Vandersteens at least model 2 and 3s. I'd think narrower speakers like Proac, Salk, Golden Ear, etc., qualify better as small foot print. Or just go with stand mounts.

As Jafant says Thiel or if you prefer a company still around and supporting product might I suggest Vandersteen’s lovely small footprint and imo attractive Treo ( I own the CT )

you can find a used pair inside your budget
my 2nd picks beside used Thiel ( Brother owns a pair ) would be the ET or Maggie as mentioned

have fun
it is all about the music

If you're serious about small footprint, look at Totem or ProAc.  You could get something pretty nice on the used marked for 4K.

miamianglerconsider a Thiel CS 2.4 speaker. If you enjoyed the Vandersteen sound, you will love Thiel Audio.  Nice match for the Krell amp as well.
Happy Listening!

I'm a huge Maggie Fan as well, and when my rig got moved from our main Great Room to a small media room, had to trade in my 20.1's to stand mounted speakers.  I've had great luck with Dynaudio Counter S1.4 LE's (limited edition build), and now Joseph Audio Pulsar's.  Both can be had for $4k or below (the Dynauio's for about $2500), but seldom come up for sale.  Both put out much more bass, in my room, than I expected.

Good luck.

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9a27a-evolution-acoustics-micro-one-monitor-speaker-like-new-mo...

Ceramic drivers have good details.

This one will fit your needs.

Are you looking for new or used?

Watkins Gen4 is the best choice.

As a fellow Maggie lover (I've owned four pair, including my current Tympani T-IVa), I suggest the Eminent Technology LFT-8b, a real bargain at $2499/pr. Better imo than the MG1.7i, and even the 3.7i in some regards.