Buying Bookshelves, I love B&W but....

my experience is that the mids are a bit compressed, less open and detailed.

That is pretty standard for most speakers. It is called the BBC dip. Technically the speakers are scooped in the midrange in their power response (combined on axis and off axis signal). Small two ways with a 6" woofer tend to suffer from this because most tweeters cannot be crossed over low enough prior to the "beaming" occurring from the woofer.

The advantage of this design is that compressed pop and rock will sound good. Well recorded classical, jazz and other genres will be lacking that tangible realistic feel - sounding a bit laid back or distant.

I've owned a few pairs of BW two ways including the N805s, 600s & CDNT 1s.

It may likely be due to the level of front end gear driving those units as well.. I recently was very suprised to hear a lowly pair of Canton speakers sound very good, on either SS or HS... and on two different receivers as well.

Even more recently, a pair of Silverline SR 15s are doing a fine job IMO. I'd not put them onto a shelf though as they are rear ported.

Overall, there are other choices which can and do fare better than the BW two ways and for less money. The latest PC line from Phase Tech also is a great performer for the money.

Did you listen to the McIntosh two ways while listening to the Mac int? Although a mite larger than the smallish shelf models, they sounded pretty good to me in a poor demo and likewise setup.

Lastly the Silverline Minuet is getting loads of good press for a small loudspeaker.

Nautilus 805s should be on stands, and are great speakers if you have good equipment running them. I just heard a pair with the Ayre integrated and they were super. Also good with the Classe, etc, but I actually preferred the Ayre. I agree the less expensive B&Ws are not as much to my liking.

My speaker collection includes the 805 Nautilus, and Wilson Benesch ARC. Soon to add some ERAs for the family room system (also a HT). There are so many "good" speakers out there, it is really more a matter of personal preference and what you match with them.

As an aside, I would love to hear some Harbeths (I am fixed ont eh Monitor 30s for some reason), but noone around here sells Harbeth or Spendor, etc, Someday I might buy a pair used and try them out...

Good luck and have fun.

Not sure your budget but I own and love a pair of the original JMlabs Micro-Utopias. They're easy to drive with tremendous resolution and they look very WAF friendly. They fill my small room with all the sound I could ask for and even have surprising bass. They pop up used all the time, keep an eye out. Happy listening.

Thanks so much for the feedback, so far.I really value all of your suggestions and will look into each one.
To help narrow the incoming feedback:
I am running a Mcintosh 6300 and MCD 201. Have not gotten into cables yet.
My experience (generally speaking):
Paradigm is too bright.
MOnitor Audio, Revel and Canton are dull.
B&W lack the mid range clarity.
I'm not found of the design of Sonus Faber although they sound pretty good.
Rainmaker is good but lacks fullness and may need sub.
Vienna Accoustics Haydn are the front runner, most likely with a Rel sub.