I'd look at the LS35A type of mini monitor. I have the Stirling's, but the Harbeth is also very nice. Definitely will need Sound Anchor type of stands, about 50-100 watts of clean power and a small room. I have mine in a "near field" type of setup with my listening position at the apex of an equilateral triangle. Point the speakers straight ahead, no toe in, get them away from the side walls and rear walls. I prefer the speakers out about 1/3 into the room and the listening position also about 1/3 out from the rear wall. Bass will be enhanced as your listening position gets closer to the back wall, but you will lose some of the imaging and soundstage. Mine are in a room about 18 by 14 feet. The hype is real, there is something special about the LS35A mini monitor. When set up properly, they really can disappear and image way beyond the speaker edges. Just don't expect room rattling bass, ear shattering SPLs and you will be happy. Jazz and vocalists are really nice (try Holly Cole, Cotrane, Ricki Lee Jones etc), although mine will rock and roll when a subwoofer is added. Hope this helps!
Speaker Recommendations for Soundstage and Imaging
I'm putting together a new system where a large soundstage and holographic imaging are the top two priorities. I'm willing to give up something in other areas (detail, neutrality, dynamics, low bass, etc) to maximize those two properties. My budget for the speakers in this system is $2,000. My understanding is that, generally speaking, large floorstanders more readily offer large soundstages and small mini-monitors more readily offer that precise, holographic imaging. So I realize I'm after two competing but hopefully not mutually exclusive traits in that price range. Now if that wasn't demanding enough, I'd also prefer the compact floorstanding form factor. I'm willing to go standmount monitor but not willing to add a sub. Large floorstanders are out of the question. I'd love to hear the recommendations of the A'gon community. Thanks.