Thanks for the reply Mike. I was looking at the Genelec's, unfortunately they are a little out of my price range. Later in the year I will be going OS, so at this point I don't want to outlay a whole lot on monitors, can't take them with me.
The 8030 images a little better, and is subjectively more extended on the high end.
It will not play as loud, but the bass is only 3dB down at 55hz.
With this choice, you could add a sub when you have the budget.
I use a Benchmark for my traveling DAC, and have used it with these speakers to great advantage. My regular DAC is a dCS Elgar, and 8040 is able to more than hold it's own with the increase in resolution.
Sorry, but it's hard to imagine a 3x3 meter room with decent acoustics!?
Also $1500 max is not much for monitors, you have to find a bargain in the used market.
Your probably better off buying some decent headphones like a sennheiser HD600/HD650.