Bookshelf + sub vs. floorstanding


I have room which I currently use 50% for music and 50% Home Theater (I wish I could split, but no way at the moment). The room is 15 x 21 x 10 feet and I'm working on some acoustic panels to help with overall image and definition. I'm looking forward to make an upgrade on my system, more specifically buying new speakers for left and right channel. The budget is $14,000 max. I see lot of people happy with bookshelf speakers, especially for their imaging and ability to "disappear". Main complain is the lack of bass. 
I'm considering buying a nice pair of bookshelf plus a pair of sub woofers, instead of going with classical floorstanding ones. I really like a sound stage "reproduction" and that "separation" of instruments. 
What would you recommend and why? 
fabifrac

Showing 1 response by mzkmxcv

Dutch & Dutch 8C + HSU VTF-2 MK5  
If you have other gear, receiver or whatnot, just sell it, use the cash for more treatment or the next step up HSU (or dual).  
  
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But yes, for your setup, I’d much have a 2.2 bookshelf setup over a 2.0 tower setup, as hardly any are full range and can reach >100dB in the bass at the listening position with ease .  
  
If you had towers that got loud enough and were true full range, than there is really no downsides, unless you have some bad room modes.

Bookshelves don’t inherently have better imaging than towers, it’s just a lot of tower designs are not optimal (like using 7” woofers as a midrange).