Hifinewb, you say you are looking for "bookshelf" speakers. Does that mean you actually want to place them on a bookshelf? If so, there are speakers made for that application, even some very good ones, but there are not a lot of them. The best I know of come from North Creek Music, as kits, although you can also get them assembled I believe. If interested, give George Short a call and ask about the entry and mid-level models.
http://www.northcreekmusic.com
If what you want is smaller speakers to be placed on stands a foot or more out into the room, these are commonly called monitors ( because they are sized like the units audio engineers use to monitor their work in mixing studios ). You can get some very nice speakers made for this application too, although as Muzikat says, the high-efficiency ( or high-sensitivity ) designs are rarer. Two I like are Triangle and JM Reynaud. There might be a used pair from either of these companies around in your price range.
http://www.northcreekmusic.com
If what you want is smaller speakers to be placed on stands a foot or more out into the room, these are commonly called monitors ( because they are sized like the units audio engineers use to monitor their work in mixing studios ). You can get some very nice speakers made for this application too, although as Muzikat says, the high-efficiency ( or high-sensitivity ) designs are rarer. Two I like are Triangle and JM Reynaud. There might be a used pair from either of these companies around in your price range.