Your room is not small, but I wouldn't call it very large either. I don't see the need for high dynamic range speakers that use horn loaded drivers. I wouldn't blame the horns for their stereotypically shouty character either. Not all horn-loaded speakers sound like cheap PA speakers or vintage Klipsch budget speakers. Furthermore, just because a speaker is using a non-horn transducer does not mean it will not be harsh.
If it were me in that budget, I would look at a set of JBL LSR6332 speakers while they are on sale (
right and
left). These don't look too pretty but they have a very neutral sound and also a wide dynamic range. For use as a center speaker, rotate the tweeter/midrange plate
like so.
If you need something that is prettier I would look at the aforementioned Philharmonic speakers. Another good one would be the RBH SV61r series, take a look at some
SV-61r bookshelfs and a
SV-661cr center speaker. These are gorgeous speakers that have a warm sound that is very much the opposite of what you would associate with obnoxious horn speakers. They are very easy to listen to! Excellent speakers. Other decent speakers in this price range, look at Revel Performa3s, SVS Ultra, Paradigm Premiere, Polk LSiM, KEF Q floorstanders, to name just a few,
