I still want 3 way, enough bass so I don’t feel the need to add a sub, my conclusion: not gonna get that from a 6-1/2" driver, so 8" or 10"?

I chose to refurb AR-2ax, with a 10" woofer: my 1st decent speakers in the late 60’s while in college. They are the biggest bookcase speaker I ever owned, designed with 11-1/2" depth, to fit

in a bookshelf

on a bookcase

on a stand, angled up to aim the tweeter at seated ear height. I have them at seated ear height in my office, imaging dead center of my monitor, what a difference compared to all the prior compromises I made in my office.

https://www.hifishark.com/search?q=ar-2ax

no port, separate level controls to adjust the mid to the woofer, and adjust the tweeter to the mid while listening, in any space.

I have not heard them, but they are currently selling the KLH-5, 3 way, no port, 3 position level control, but they are too deep to fit IN a bookcase

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_700M5NNB/KLH-Model-Five-Nordic-Noir.html

I just glanced at all the bookcase speakers The Music Room has for sale, nothing I want, and some of the prices are scary.

Dynaudio Contour 20i. Even better Dynaudio Confidence 20.  Not bargain basement just good.

if one is willing to deal without the bottom octave and a half of bass, the pinnacle pn2 model [an oldie but is available here and there for rummage sale prices] is hard to beat in terms of its relatively uniform frequency balance and holographic imaging. it is also fairly sensitive in terms of getting to room filling volume on relatively little amp power [less than 10 watts per channel]. 

I recommended the Buchardt S400 MkII, but I see your post asking for a bargain. This is probably the best-looking and lowest-priced NHT SB3 I’ve seen since I bought mine.  Solid performer that digs down to 39hz (-3dB).  See the review by Stereophile.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/116740343589?_skw=nht+sb3&itmmeta=01K4WC2RJ4VNA66KMTCMSXK792&hash=item1b2e444725:g:nioAAeSw0Xloozpm&itmprp=enc%3AAQAKAAAAwFkggFvd1GGDu0w3yXCmi1d%2FZQidDauZWCiabNA0crQVDaHPEB8vK9HKYwAWJlDJsUzpNYnCbOlT7BP8h8opFAAr7iiW%2FUFvhe%2BLSujnySNfQYB7%2F5gSLLT8SPOmBjkBPDgxAZoNxRdXXT13ezr8SBHvQ2MSYKQf3%2FP1%2FZ%2BuDWOXAGDpg66YJIDNuwyTo6eBw%2BZFiNIsaZmJFNMGCXCFjUz33VmPuZ03hAvfoLzdtLMtvlyugv4kLCWjli6tk1UfMw%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR66Ji4ynZg

Bargain? At what price point?  I needed some bookshelf speakers to get me by while my big floorstanders are going to be refurbished.  On a lark I got the relatively new Triangle BR04 speakers (bigger than the BR03 and with a better crossover) for just $549. I was pleasantly surprised (I have them out in the room only about 9' from my ears). Now, if you are willing to spend more, then definitely buying direct from Buchardt or contemplating a Monitor Audio Silver speaker would get you much better bass and likely a nicer midrange and dynamic range. There are many good speakers out there, but you have to pick what is important to you. For instance, even today the new Wharfedale EVO 5 series, while amazing according to Steve Guttenberg, are still pinched in dynamic range. Good luck. Just curious, what was it about the Mission speakers that was lacking? Apparently, they had a hit with the 770. 

@elliottbnewcombjr those AR-2ax are beautiful!

Buy a pair of used Ref 3A de Capos. rich detailed sound, less than 1500.00

Many beginners have only $1500 for the entire first system. A deal on the 3i are on eBay for $230 shipped.

Philharmonic Audio BMRs cost $2k and sound like $10k.

Used Merlins

Typical beginner system. Onkyo A-9110 amp. $400. $500 for turntable.  $300 for VM540ML cartridge, $300 for used speakers. $1500 total,

Yup the Revel M22 with stands filled with shot were not bookshelf speakers but dang were they good as they guy I sold them to likes to remind me. 

Vanguard Speakers in Bamboo are surprisingly good and are true bookshelf speakers. They replaced KEF LS50’s and stayed. 

Started with a kef q150. What a rabbit hole 🕳️ it has caused. 

moonwatcher

beautiful might be too kind, there are a lot of truly beautiful small speakers to look at, but a 3 way with 10" wooder sure sounds better than any 2 way compact thingy I have heard.

for less than $1k delivered, all refurb done, 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/205708368566?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5338381866&toolid=10001&customid=c8402494-8ff8-11f0-a19d-346135396336

not sure what tariffs will come into play

...............................

these stands were available to aim them up, the KLH-5 stands shown above appear to be a more appropriate height, I suppose a box could be placed below them.