Speaker recommendations for small space


We are in a tiny place with lots of limitations. The days of dipoles are gone. I'm creating a minimalist system strictly for audio, not home theater. I have created some images of the space:

http://brumidis.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=1539

At the same time I'm moving to a Squeezebox (for now)and flac, wireless or wired. Active speakers would be ideal, but not necessary. We currently have an Antique Soundlabs AQ1001DT (60w)and an Anthem Integrated 2(90w @8ohms, 145w@4ohms)

Sweet spot is about 8' from speakers. The original plan was to eliminate the amps and use an active speaker (and Squeezebox) to minimalize. Quad 12L was at the top of the list. We will budget for a good, musical subwoofer.

I've lived a life with Apogee, Acoustat, Magnepan and Dynalabs and really resent giving it up, but there is no way to get large planars past WAF and space. Box speakers would look funky attached to the wall. Then I started searching for a wall mount. In wall is out since there is brick, etc. Magnepan MC1 and Martin Logan Vignette came to my attention. Both are in the price range, but just not sure of the quality.

I'm open to recommendations and wonder if the MC1 or Vignette would sound acceptable with a quality sub.

Also considering placing the sub in fireplace, but if that doesn't work,I'll find a place for it on the floor. Then again, there is an overhang area (seen in photos, over TV)which could possibly work.

Also note the slanted ceiling in the photos.

Will buy used. Speaker budget up to $600-1,000 and sub %500-700. I typically buy used but priority is sound, of course!

Thanks for any feedback. I'm confused.
128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xamansker
I am using a pair of NHT Classic 3 in a small, 11 x 10 room with great results. The drivers on the 3 are very close together, which allows them to integrate very soon after leaving the speaker. I would avoid any tower or other speakers that have widely spaced drivers since you dont have the room to allow them to gel together well. Teh classic 3 lists for $999 but can be found new for $400.
I second the S3/5s or the original SP 1/3s (not the SP 1/3Ps). The latter are rare as hens' teeth on AG, though.
I would forget the subwoffer and buy a pair of Rega RS3's.
I had exactly your problen and they work wonderfully in a small space,VERY musical and easy to drive with a perfectly
beautiful full-range sound.
The side fring woffers make placement so easy,can fire in or out,whatever sounds best in your space.
I have them in a 12x11 room driven by a 10 watt Sophia Baby Electric and wouldn't change them if I won the lottery!
In many ways a better speaker than the Maggie 1.6 I had before I downsized to a condo.