I use a pair of quad 11L monitors in a 10' x 10' listening room. I am only running a modded dynaco st 70 (35 watts per channel) and the system has excellent soundstage and musicality.There is also plenty of bass in a small room.
The quads are rated at 86 db and 6 ohm but my 35 watts will run you out of rhe small room.
They also have a beautiful piano gloss finish and can be bought here in non active version for well under your $500 budget.
I have klipsch heresy's, klipsch kg4's and have previously owned a nice pair of early 90's snell acoustics speakers. These quad 11L's are better than any of these speakers. They image very well.
Good luck
The quads are rated at 86 db and 6 ohm but my 35 watts will run you out of rhe small room.
They also have a beautiful piano gloss finish and can be bought here in non active version for well under your $500 budget.
I have klipsch heresy's, klipsch kg4's and have previously owned a nice pair of early 90's snell acoustics speakers. These quad 11L's are better than any of these speakers. They image very well.
Good luck