Three bookshelf speakers that work quite well on "bookshelves" are the Linn Kan, Castle Acoustics Isis (discontinued and hard to find) and the Castle Acoustics Richmond (which can often be found discounted in the USA for under $350 from its $500 retail, don't let the low price fool you as they are all great little speakers. The better the electronics, the better the the Castle speakers sound and the Linn Classick would be a good choice, IMO. It also mates well with the Linn speakers (of course). The Linn Tukan (discontinued, but still around) might also be a choice as they are designed for close to the wall placement. I had a problem with my home demo of them, but it was because of a mismatch with my amp and they did sound good in the showroom on Linn and Plinius electronics.
Best Bookshelf System for a Bookshelf
I'm looking for a bookshelf system to use as a second system for the den. I will probably hook up the TV to it, but we hardly watch it anyway, so I'm more concerned about music. Important characteristics are: (1) speakers must sound good (or at least as good as possible) placed in a bookshelf; (2) electronics must be vert small to please wife(I'm currently thinking Linn Classik or NAD L-40; and (3) total price less than $2,500 (used is ok). What should I audition?