Are there any bookshelf speakers that sound good on a bookshelf?

A lot will do that. Just not on a bookshelf. You want imaging, use stands.

There are 2 differences between a true bookshelf and a 2-way standmount.

1 - Efficiency
2 - Bass

A true bookshelf is more efficient and has less bass output as measured anechoically, but when pushed up against the wall has better balance.

So, assuming you can't find a true bookshelf, you could always use tone controls.

Also, in your price range, call Fritz and let him know what you have in mind, he could whip something up for you. :)

For Several thousand dollars I would choose the Dynaudio Special 40, it dosent matter where you put this speaker, they are a Tour De Force when given enough power and clean electronics. Also, the Dynaudio Confidence 20 would max your budget wow...WOW. But the Totem Acoustics Signature One speaker is an amazing proven speaker that has been around for decades, in its current version the Model One is still breath taking, powerful and forceful with beautiful tone, amazing dynamics and upper range extension, and very affordable. Finally I cant go without mentioning the KEF LS50/W either standard or Wireless version, the single driver it employs is a technical cornucopia! This single point source driver technology makes this speaker very precise, fast, articulate, and very musical. Of course all of these mentioned require HQ electronics and/or sources to really get the best of what they offer.



P.S. Put them where you want but having solid stands and and some space from the rear wall (2-4 feet) and sides (30 inches min) and nothing between them will reveal the results you desire.

https://www.dynaudio.com/home-audio/special-forty/special-forty


https://totemacoustic.com/product/signature-one/



www.dynaudio.com/home-audio/confidence/confidence-20


https://us.kef.com/speakers/flagship-hi-fi-speakers/ls50.html

Matt Miller

Rega RS1 and Vandersteen VLR wood

Agree they should not be on a bookshelf. However: if they have to be placed on a bookshelf, wouldn't a sealed enclosure be better? I know that Salk WOW1's are small and front ported -- that could be a good solution, too.

Vandersteen VLR as mentioned above.  They also make a CT version that has a carbon tweeter similar to their high end models.

+3 on the Vandy VLR's.
I own a pair, and have them near the corners of my ceiling (like monitors).
When I disconnected my subs, I was very surprised by how much bass they could produce.
If you aren't super into high fidelity, or have a less than perfect setup/room, I would go with the non-CT version. I did, and have no qualms. Before the Vandy's, I used a pair of Zu Omen Bookshelf speakers. They were good, but not as good as the Vandy's.
At least, in my opinion.
Bob

Fritz carrera be worth a try !

Monitor Audio Gold 100's awesome imaging, clean and punchy.

Give the ProAc Tablette 10s a consideration.  Sealed cabinet, and very happy to be placed near boundaries.  And sound great. 

I recently auditioned a pair of Audionote speakers purposely placed on bookcase shelves to demonstrate how well they worked and I must say they sounded fantastic. The room was aprx 16x25x8. 

I had a pair of Focal Aria 906's that I used in a true bookshelf environment and was quite happy with the sound.  They are way below your budgeted investment level, but, are very pleasing to the ear.  I used them with a pair of smaller subs placed elsewhere in the room, but honestly they could produce plenty of bass by themselves.

I was fortunate enough that the shelving units upon which they sat were pretty close to my ear level, and, they are front ported so I had minimal concerns with the rear wall placement.  The nice thing about them as well is that they had quite a lot of sound disbursement and required little to no toe-in for proper sound at my listening position, another plus for them since there was limited space in the shelf for them to be rotated. 

Tune Tot by Wilson made for the very purpose that you are referencing ...

Vandersteen VLR CT.

Had a pair for about two years now and really like them. (Paired with Ayre integrated.) They are especially good at low to mid volume listening (about 85dB and below.) Room is 20x14. In fact, I plan to go Vandersteen when I step up to floor-standers, based on my experience with the VLRs. Exceptional.

Proac Response 2 or 2R.   Great speaker, with a front port.   In my experience, anything with a rear port needs a foam plug when located in a bookshelf, and then the bass response rolls off, and then life becomes a little less enjoyable.  I’m sure there are exceptions, but that’s my experience.  Of course imaging will suffer with a bookshelf location, but if this is a “real world” situation not involving a dedicated room, then I have had the best luck with the Response 2’s.   

Save lots of money try the KEF LS50, awesome speaker!!!

Dynsudio secial 40 is around 3500..its.not several thousand dollars. 

I overhauled my office last year, created a perfect triangle with bookcases opposite my desk, my chair/monitor dead center, primarily streaming Pandora music or YouTube video from PC.

bought a pair of bookcase speakers (no ports, shallow depth) to mix with my existing Velodyne Sub. I am extremely happy, added a TT and R2R in the system.

After research I decided to limit my search to models with 6-1/2" drivers, a bit more directional bass, then let the sub blend in.

I ordered two pairs, 1 for my shop, another 'better' for my office. I ended up using them opposite to that.

eBay, vintage B&W DM100i, horizontal on shelves ear level. (they say 6" piston size)

file:///G:/19%20docs%202019/EBN%202019/audio%202019/Bowers%20&%20Wilkins/DM100i%20InfoSheet%20(1).pdf

A crossover in the sub removes the low bass frequencies makes it easier for both the amp and the bookcase speakers to do a great job. The speakers will not be in a self-made cloud of bass blob.

I have SVS Ultra bookshelf speakers with a SVS sub and they kick butt.  

Kinda rare but Guru QM 10-2 plays well on a bookshelf or up against a wall or corner. Very musical big sound. 

Thanks for all the thoughts.  I was unaware of the Wilson Audio Tune tots (thank you rego)!   I auditioned them today and was really impressed.  Going to listen again and then maybe see if I can do an in Home trial.   
Only in Audiogon can you get this sort of feedback!

I chose the Totem fire as bookshelf speaker....with need for a speaker that was genuinely 'bookshelf'.
I chose the Totem over the B&W 805d3 and Kef reference 1, in which respect the CNET 'review' of the Kef reference 1 'strikes a chord'
ie "the 805D3 is a higher resolution, more transparent design".
I found the Kef muddy....there is no other word for it....and the Totem narrowly more resolving but with deeper bass than the B&W 805D3.
To re-iterate, the Totem midrange resolution exceeded that of the B&W.
'The 'continuum' cone B&W midrange is, as another dealer offered, compromised by attempts to employ it as a woofer.
I hope these impressions are of use to others.  I was fortunate to have the opportunity to hear all 3 loudspeakers in the same system and room.