People have used smaller speakers such as the BBC LS3/5A in their systems. I think within your budget constraints and where they will be in the room I think you will be pleased.
I have to agree with this statement. Being a proud owner of ATC, Harbeth, and a custom design based on the BBC LS3, the midrange and high frequencies are superb. Pair this design with a great subwoofer(these speakers don't do bass), and it will perform like a high quality wide range speaker.