You might want to consider the Wilson Benesch Discovery. It's a fairly small monitor but the stand is integrated, as it is an important part of this speaker's design. So, I don't know, if that qualifies as 'little box' for you.
With regard to sound quality, I haven't heard too many monitors to compare them with, but regardless of size and price this is one of the finest speakers I've ever heard. No colorations, seamless integration of drivers, impressive bass due to isobaric loading (no need for a subwoofer) and wonderfully musical. They are a little bit out of my price range (8k, and they never show up used), otherwise I'd ditch my VirgoII for them.
With regard to sound quality, I haven't heard too many monitors to compare them with, but regardless of size and price this is one of the finest speakers I've ever heard. No colorations, seamless integration of drivers, impressive bass due to isobaric loading (no need for a subwoofer) and wonderfully musical. They are a little bit out of my price range (8k, and they never show up used), otherwise I'd ditch my VirgoII for them.