I had owned the ELS-3 speaker and upgraded to the Epos M5. The speakers are on a bookshelf. One of my concerns about any speaker being placed on a bookshelf is the degree to which the bass gets muddy/boomy. I had not noticed any significant bass problem with the ELS-3, but that's most likely due to its lack of bass extension (maybe 60 hz). The M5 is significantly better than the ELS-3. The ELS-3 gets edgy/ragged in the mids/highs at times; also there is a portion of the midrange where it sounds 'boxy'----this is hard to describe. None of this exists with the M5; its frequency response is fairly flat and its bass response extends lower then the ELS-3's. I have not noticed any bass problem given my shelf placement. They produce classical music in a clear and non-fatiguing manner. Please read Reina's review in Stereophile. A used pair can be found for around $500.
I also second the recommendation of the B&W 600 series speakers, although I haven't heard them. But please be careful with respect to bass response given bookshelf placement. IMO few things are worse than a boomy/muddy bass! Good luck---try to audition in an environment similar to yours.
I also second the recommendation of the B&W 600 series speakers, although I haven't heard them. But please be careful with respect to bass response given bookshelf placement. IMO few things are worse than a boomy/muddy bass! Good luck---try to audition in an environment similar to yours.