Vandersteen 2CE or 1C for small room?

Budget would be anywhere from $900 to $1,800. Willing to go to the top end of that range if it makes sense. All my other equipment is used (MF 3.2cr amp, TAD-150 pre) and could go with a used pair, but I'm slightly weary of used speakers.

The Vandy 2's are certainly strong contenders. If you like what Vandersteen does, though very different in some ways, these share some characteristics: Dunlavy SC IV's, Meadowlarks, Thiel CS 3.5's, and though I haven't heard them, the Green Mountain's belong to the same school of thought. The Thiel 3.5's, have a different perspective, would cost less, but the savings would have to go towards amplification. Though later Thiels could be found in your budget, I believe the amp requirements would bust the budget. In any case, I would reccommend some absorbing room treatment directly behind the listening position for your layout.

Thanks, unsound. You think the 2's could work with some room treatments? I only just upgraded to the Musical Fidelity A3.2cr amp, so I can't really justify upgrading again for the time being. I think they're rated around 130 watts per channel (at 8 ohms). Been reading about Green Mountain and the Meadowlarks. I'll look into the Dunlavy's.

If your placing the speakers along the long wall, with appropriate speaker placement, your head will probably be close to the opposing wall. Therefore, you will in all probability need some absorbing room treatment behind your head, as is true with most speakers that work best with some space behind them.