Versatile, non-fatiguing speakers for a small room under $1500 used or new: advice needed!


Hi, first post here! And not a very original one, my apologies!:)

So after years of listening to music through miscellaneous mid-fi solutions, I am finally thinking about dipping my toes in hi-fi audio and putting together a dedicated stereo setup. Currently I am looking at speakers, and my head is already aching from the abundance of options, so I am looking for suggestions from you guys, primarily from those of you who have had first-hand experience building a stereo in a small room like mine and achieved results they are happy with.

My room is pretty small (approx. 13’ x 10’), and I will be placing my speakers along the long wall. My listening position will be 6 feet away, give or take; plus the speakers will have to sit fairly close to the front wall. 15 inches from the back of the speaker would be nice, but if needed, I definitely I could move them out farther into the room (up to 20 inches from the back of the speaker), for listening sessions and then move them back again. There are several rows of shelves , filled with CDs and stuff, in the middle of the back wall above my head (not wall-to-wall though) - would that work as dispersion? I’m thinking of applying some room treatment behind the speakers, and on the right-hand side wall as well (if needed) - on the left hand side is a window covered with thick curtains.

Budget: under $1500 used or new.
I listen to all kinds of music, primarily rock of all eras and subgenres (blues/folk/prog/hard/art/psych/indie, etc), jazz, blues, classical, acoustic, singer-songwriters, female vocal, 80s new wave/post punk, some heavy metal. So the speakers need to be as versatile as possible. As someone who likes rock music, the bass is important, but I live in an apartment (neighbors!), so I have to find the right balance there as I don’t want to overload the room - the bass has to be there but under control and not boomy. I want as big a sound as possible in my small room without overpowering it. In general, I’m looking for engaging, non-fatiguing, dynamic sound with good midrange and tone, with enough punch to rock out when needed, nuance to play softer, more sparse types of music, and resolution so the details in fast complex passages don’t get lost or smeared. Not a fan of excessive brightness, sibilance, or harshness in the upper midrange.

I’m primarily looking at standmounts, but maybe certain smaller floorstanders would be fine? I’ve seen opinions claiming floorstanders are the way to go, regardless of the size of the room. What do you think would be preferable in my situation - apartment with neighbors, 13’x10’ room, long wall positioning, distance to speakers about 6 feet, maybe less?

Thanks!
mermaid_smiles
OP,

Not sure what equipment you’ll be using but you might want to watch this review.

https://youtu.be/cNu_t1gnKgs

All the best 

JD
Lots of good suggestions here, but also look into a used pair of Sonus Faber Venere 2.0s. I think they'll check off most if not all of your boxes. 

Another note, as someone who has had very similar considerations as you over the years: Floorstanders may not be a bad choice if you're judicious with your pick. Forget anything with a port in the back. Forget wide, big boxy designs. BUT (this is where Sonus Faber excels, IMO), the front bass port with the 'tear drop' shape combined makes for a very controlled, and forgiving listening experience for difficult spaces. 
My apartment listening room dimensions and set up are very similar to yours, as are our musical tastes. I just got a pair of the Wharfedale EVO 4.3s - a smaller floor stander (34-1/4" tall). They actually have a smaller footprint than the standmounts they replaced. Beautiful sound, build, and aesthetics (high WAF). The bass port is downward, into a slot between the bottom of the cabinet and the plinth (with pre-installed adjustable spikes), so they are not finicky about placement. Smack dab at your price point. I can’t believe how good they are for the money.
Powering them with a Parasound A21. Oh, and ask me about room treatments.
Good luck!