If for no other reason, you would enjoy an audition of Legacy Audio speakers. They moved to new factory last year and the line is being redesigned so older models' prices will drop further.
Older models have been available used for far less than your target.
I have Focus 2020 and I can't imagine ever getting rid of it. It does everything really well on relatively low power, but can take up to 400watts if you have it. Kinda big and heavy though. And you will need a room that has (or can get) good bass response, because it will easily play below 20Hz.
I have heard HT3 and also Adagio in good setups. They were both truly excellent for small speakers, but there is just no substitute for square inches, except square feet - driver area, that is...
Rich