And I want a Mini-Cooper to haul Cargo Freight. But obviously that is not going to work.
The smaller the speaker, the less bass, as has been pointed out - simply Physics.
But to some extent, it hinges on your expectations. If this is just for casual listening, a small speaker, that is - moderately small - can work OK.
So, now we try to define what and how you listen, and what we mean by small.
Something that one would typically classify as a Satellite speakers, with a 4" or smaller bass driver, is likely going to have a low end response in roughly the 100hz range. A typical bookshelf, is going to be closer to 40hz. A good floorstanding speakers is going to go down to 30hz or less.
Again, it hinges on your requirements and expectations. I've heard speakers that only go down to they 60hz to 80hz range, they sound fine for casual listening. The speakers on my computer only go down to about 64hz, but for the limited type of listening I do on my computer, that is fine. However, the speakers on my main stereo go down to 28hz.
My point is, we need a bit more information, we need to establish what your personal needs are for listening, and exactly what you mean by 'small'.
The Wharfedale Diamond 10.0 is small, in a modest sense, but not exactly tiny at 236H x 145W x 165D (mm). They do have bass response down to a very acceptable 55hz.
Wharfedale Diamond 10.0 Speakers (Pair) at Audio Affair
Next, we would need to know what other equipment these speakers will be used with. For example, what Amp and what Source? By Source I mean computer, iPod/MP3, CD Player, TV, etc...?
Also, we are going to need a budget? I've seem small Paradigm Satellite speakers selling for £500/pr. But, don't leave us to guess at the budget.
The Project Speaker Box 4, with 100mm bass driver in a sealed cabinet, has decent bass numbers, but is not likely to have dominant bass. Still, it should do well near a wall or in a corner - (W x H x D): 140 x 228 x 160mm -
Pro-Ject Speaker Box 4 Speakers (Pair) at Audio Affair
It is extremely hard to go smaller than this and still maintain a reasonable degree of bass.
Even these Satellite speakers are 10" high including the base -
Focal Sib Speakers (Pair) at Audio Affair
The Anthony Gallo are going to be good, if you do not expect - Rock the House bass -
Anthony Gallo ADiva Speaker at Audio Affair
You might consider Flat-Panel speakers like this, though again probably OK bass for causal listening, but not the equal of a true HiFi speaker -
KEF T101 Speakers (Pair) at Audio Affair
Even these Focal Dome 2.0 speakers would be very good, but again limited bass. 80hz with the right speaker can sound fine for casual listening. I had some small Sony speakers before the speakers I have now (on my computer), the bass sounded fine for the type of listening I was doing.
Focal Dome 2.0 Speakers (Pair) at Audio Affair
Again, expectations matter. You can't expect deep rumbling bass, but with speaker of 80hz or less, you can expect acceptable bass for casual listening. Though I don't recommend any speakers with bass response above 80hz.
The Cambridge MINX 11 and the MINX 21 have bass response of 120hz. That's not going to cut it.
The JBL Control ONE speakers with limited bass response (80hz) , is regarded as a pretty good sounding speaker for its size. W x H x D (mm) 155 x 230 x 140 -
Superfi - JBL CONTROL 1 SPEAKERS (PAIR)
Those are about the limit of speaker that will given functional bass for casual listening, and yet maintain a reasonably small footprint.
For what it is worth.
Steve/bluewizard