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
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I've had a pair of Dynaudio 52 SEs(the Se is important)for years and just keep on giving .Nonfatiguing, good detail, look nice, adequate Bass for a bookshelf, The only downside is that although they aren't difficult to drive a 5-watt valve won't quite do the business(They are 4 ohms). From memory they are about 87 dB. Price should let you spend a bit on other components
In a small room I use at the moment a used pair 1500 euros Egglestone Isabel.  They sound good with classica and pop/rock, they lack the extreme bass response, and  need some watts. Proac 100 or merlin tlm are more easy to drive and good too, in my experience.  
My main listening room (aka NYC bedroom...) is the same size as yours.
I have read each and every response here, always curious to learn how other, more seasoned audiophiles are dealing with the “tiny room conundrum”.

Many great suggestions, some I knew but plenty I don't. I am particularly entertained by @tk21 ’s post, which describes my exact (albeit previous) set-up: The tiny footprint Totem Arro floorstanders that WANT to be placed close to the back wall plus a Rel T/5i sub. It worked very well for me for +2 years, but as a gear slut on a budget, I couldn’t resist picking up a great deal on my current speakers, which also happen to be on that top ten list @tk21 linked to, at #3, the Anthony Gallo Reference 3.1

Steve Guttenberg has a video on the subject, best speakers for small rooms, and one of his suggestions is your top contender Harbeth P3ESR that is getting a lot of love from others here as well.

I still have the Arros btw. If you end up interested in going that route, feel free to contact me. I really need to start getting rid of all the stuff I don’t use - or leave this shoe box of an apt…

Good luck and enjoy the journey!
The only non-fatiguing speakers I have ever heard in my life are from Magnepan.  Try whatever used model you can afford.

If you do not believe me, install a pair of them next to any box and give it a week.

Cheers!