Although I think you're wrong about the Preludes (I use 'em, and they sound steller due to my careful setup of brilliantly matched ancillary component choices stemming from years of personal wonderfulness), I recently spent some time with a pair of Thiel 1.6s that were small, inexpensive when bought used, and sweet sounding.
Best "small footprint" speaker between $600-1000
Looking probably for the impossible. But here goes....Seeking an "exceptional small footprint floodstander that can be bought "USED" for BETWEEN $600 TO $1000. I have owned the Vandersteen IC, and Silverline Prelude II.....very good speakers but not exceptional.
A member recommended the Epos 16i and/or Linn Majik 109, but neither sell USED for under $1000. Recommnedations needed
A member recommended the Epos 16i and/or Linn Majik 109, but neither sell USED for under $1000. Recommnedations needed