Afraid to buy new speakers


I'm stuck with hideous acoustics that simply couldn't be worse, and I have to place speakers close to a concrete block wall. There's no getting around it. I have decent CD player and integrated amp recently bought new (NAD 365BEE) as well as a Parasound P3 and PS Audio HCA2. Given my sorry room configuration I fear any speaker I buy will be a mere shadow of itself in a different environment, and I cannot change this environment. I'm finding that a set of small monitors and a sub seems to work, but these speakers have their own limitations. I've got a max $3K budget for a pair of speakers, but read time and again how any speaker will sound like crap when their back panel is placed close to a wall. If true that kills anything and I might as well stick with my monitors or if I want to play really loud when the wife's out put my old Advent 2s on and launch the cones. Is there ANY speaker in the 2-3 thou range that is designed to function well close to a wall save an in-wall unit? I look at these long ribbons of 3-4" drivers and can't help but think they'll sound horrible, but who knows. I'm probably going to be here for some years, so I have to make the most of it.
rg500g
In a second system, I have Merlin TSM-MME monitors placed 4 inches off the front wall (on their side in a wall unit, no less), combined with a modest 10-in. sealed cab subwoofer (Von Schweikert), EQ-ed in at 50 Hz. Powered by a Manley Stingray II integrated, they produce satisfying music, even in this severely compromised arrangement.

I don't get all the 3D effects that placement farther from the wall would allow, but imaging is still adequate and tone and timbre, etc. are quite good. These speakers integrate easily with the sub because they're not ported, giving them a gradual roll-off. I listen to a lot of jazz. Acoustic bass is visceral, solid, and tonally rich.

For the past 6 weeks my main system (which costs many multiples of this second system) has been packed up because I'm remodeling a whole floor of my house. I listen to music much of the day because I work at home, so I'm spending *a lot* more time with this Merlin system than ever before. I'm loving it. Though compromised by placement, etc., it's been a real pleasure and does some things my big rig doesn't.

You're in suboptimal circumstances for sound, and whatever speakers you choose will be hindered. But that doesn't mean you're doomed to lousy sound. Buying used, you could find the Merlins TSM and a good, small sub (go for non-ported) for less than your $3K budget with some patience. Worth considering. Good luck!
If your room acoustics are so horrible and you are also restricted in speaker placement, then why spend big bucks on a good speaker? It won't sound good and you'll be unhappy. In another thread you mention that you have a pair of old Celestions loudspeakers that sound decent and play loud enough. Keep them and accept them for what they are. For a more audiophile listening experience get a pair of good headphones ($500 to $1,500) and match it with a nice headphone amp, say $1,000. Headphones are headphones, but such a setup can match the detail and frequency response of $20,000+ loudspeakers.
Linn Majik 109s and Majik 140s are front-ported wall huggers designed to work in compact Tokyo apartments.

I own the 109s and have had them 3 to 5 inches from a wall and they worked fine.

Also, If you're able, consider getting an over sized oriental rug and attaching it to the concrete wall. It will improve the acoustics in the room tremendously, and it will look nicer too. :-)