Bookshelf speakers - Paradigm, KEF, Totem

I've had both the Rega Kytes (originals) and the Rega RS1s.

Both were excellent speakers.

Both needed to be close to the front wall but the RS1s were more picky about placement.

Get it right and they have a lovely breathing midbass that can be quite addictive.

Neither are anywhere near to full bandwidth or scale but the snapshot of the recording they present you with can be endearing.

From memory I'd say the Kytes had better tone but the RS1s had better dynamics.

Check out the Ref 3A de Capos  i used them with my Primaluna PL2 for years now with a 4 watt Decware amp.  Sweet detailed  good bass for monitors/standmounts

if you dont like the new finish  then used with the wood veneer is very nice

I recently auditioned a pair of KEF LS 50 Meta's with a friend who just got bit by the audiophile bug. My jaw dropped!! There is nothing that competes under $5K with these. The room was 12x16, and I swear there was a sub connected! They are a better speaker than R3. We directly compared to the R5 and the LS 50s were better. R series is old technology; they have not incorporated the Meta drivers as of yet. As far a Paradigm, they are bright sounding speakers across the whole line. To my ears, "nails on a chalkboard." I just purchased a pair of Reference 1 Metas. I am anxiously awaiting an 8-10 week delivery!

Best of luck!

Sonus Faber Salk are on my short-list ... Actually, Salk has the edge ...

I really enjoy my Harbeth M30s, also have Primaluna equipment and similar listening tastes. You can usually pick up a decent used pair of 30.2s for under $5k, definitely 30.1s. Some speakers do not respond well at lower listening levels, something to consider in your auditioning. The Harbeths are great at lower levels. These speakers are really great with jazz. Rock is not their forte but not bad in any way. Why? Jazz is usually recorded unamplified in a live venue. Rock is not. The Harbeths excel at reproducing acoustic material, so if you like that sort of music the Harbeths (spendor are nice too) are very good.  They do need to be placed away from walls though to get the best out of them, something else to consider.  For your smallish room you might even want to look at the smaller P3s.  

You should really have one of the models of Fritz speakers on your shortlist.

I have owned KEF and Totems, both are very good for the music you listen too. I currently own Harbeth I love them but they are not Rocknroll speakers. Jimmy is correct on those. I’d suggest trying the larger bookshelf Totems if you can. 

There’s a nice pair of Joseph Audio Pulsars here now for only $3625 in the stunning Sapele finish.  You won’t do better than this — hop on them before they go because they won’t last long.  If they don’t work out you can sell them for little or no loss.  Best of luck. 

Thanks everyone for your reply’s! Looks like my short list just expanded. I’m going to be spending some time at my dealers until I find something perfect. Thanks again 

Check out the Vandersteen VLR CT - also very good.

Take a look at Tyler Acoustics. I'm really enjoying my T1 Timekeepers. He has several other monitors available. Mine are paired with an SVS sub and they sound sweet with everything!