best sounding small speakers

The Tyler Reference Monitors with matching stands will get you in with awesome sound, and the wife factor also. Speaker placement is very forgiving. Get some good electronics. Find a pair on the 'Gon at very low prices and don't let that low price be a factor.

my vote goes to the Acapella Fidelio, the most transparent and lively monitors i've ever heard.

I second the Acapella Fidelio. An awesome little speaker.

LS3/5a

The Wilson Benesch ARC's. Made in England and made not from MDF but rather carbon fiber, just like the steath bombers. Avoiding radar is similar to sheading sonic waves. Perfect sound with plenty of base when it is real base and not boom boom base.