Bookshelf Speaker question


I want to splurge a little this coming tax-season, and want to spend between $300-500 on a set of bookshelf speakers. What would you guys recommend for my price range? I'm willing to buy used so that I can keep my options open. Right now, I'm looking at specs and reviews on the Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 or Totem Acoustic Dreamcatcher. I'm new to "better" audio, so any advice is appreciated. I listen to a lot of different types of music, so I'm looking for a speaker system that can handle almost anything. Thank you in advance.
hifinewb
Sorry, I disagree about 91 db or better. There are virtually no bookshelf speakers with that high a sensitivity rating. Most British bookshelf speakers will work as they are usually made with low powered British amps in mind.
I have even used Dynaudio with 30 watt Naim amp with good results. As long as you don't want to play at concert levels, you will do fine.
Consider Epos.
I did some research and the wharfedales i was considering are $350 new and the totems are $525. Have any of you had experience with these brands? Are they worth it or should I just search for Energy or Klipsch as most of you are suggesting. Id like some advice on good cable in the $50-100 range. That may be a longshot, but I'll ask anyway. Thanks for the posts keep them coming I'm learning a lot here.
the wharfedales are well regarded entry level speakers--i haven't heard them enough to comment reliably.--i have owned totem rokks and heard the dreamcatchers, which are an update--they're excellent, well-balanced and probably a couple of notches above the wharfedales on the audio food chain. my concern, again, is that you're amp wouldn't drive 'em to their full potential, especially at the lower frequencies--they're relatively power hungry. hence, my earlier recommendation for the more efficient energy, klipsch, etc. just my opinion, of course--buy what sounds good to you.
Muzikat, I disagree with your assertion that high-sensitivity bookshelves aren't possible. Look at a Coincident Triumph UHS for an example. (This is one that I could recommend to the original poster, actually).

What kind of music do you tend to listen to, and what are your listening preferences? (Lean and detailed, full and lush midrange, strong bass for a bookshelf speaker, etc.)

I'm not familiar with the Wharfedales, but I have heard the Totems and was impressed by their midrange presence. I think the bass is a little one-note, and there is an exaggeration of the midbass, but the small Totem speakers do sound good to me.

Other considerations besides the Coincident Triumph UHS would include some of the NHT offerings, PSB Stratus Mini's, and Von Schweikert VR-1.

Michael