Recommendations on a big 3 way bookshelf - new or vintage - speakers, have stands 17" high

No answer from OP on budget but they asked about "SONY M3s", of which there is no such speaker from Sony.

There is (was) a Sony SS-M3, a weirdo standmount from 2005. That would fit the OP’s vintage part of "new or vintage" but not the 3-way requirement (SS-M3 is 2-way).

Also saw a search hit for a $319 pair on eBay - maybe that’s in OP’s budget range as well?

Have a soft spot for JBL 4311's - my 1st quality hifi purchase in 1981. So much depends on your budget as @soix said. I'm more into 2/ways and find most better pieces can do as much if not more then a 3/way design anyway so, let me add this though... Holt Hill Audio in Boston make some damn fine monitors. Listened to their Cionnsaile (sp?) on Friday when dropping off a driver for repair. Absolutely amazing 2/way big & boxy stand mount speakers. Had them singing with a big Plinius integrated and they thrashed everything there including some incredible highly rated vintage systems. They are $1500 bucks and the fit and finish is super, albeit fire-engine red is not my thing. They can custom paint them any color you want and come stock in black high gloss finish. How about a set in Shelby Blue with white racing stripes, "yep" said he can do it for a bit more $$. Not gonna list a link here but u, (everyone) should google them and visit their site; something pretty special gong on there. Just my opinion

A few that haven't been mentioned yet:

• Bryston Mini T
• Wharfedale  Linton Herritage 
• Wharfedale Elysian 2
• Wharfedale EVO 4.2

Selah Audio "Tempesta " is a fine 3 - way large monitor speaker. They are well designed and sound great. 

Anyone: thoughts about JBL 4429s? or SONY M3s?

harbeth shl5 supers

thank me later  :)

Budget?

The JBL100 Classic speaker is the most fun sounding 3 way bookshelf speaker I have ever heard. No bi or tri wiring capability though.  Why is that so important?  If you have tri wired cables, you can still use them.  

ADS L-710 Or 810

Take a look at the JBL Studio 530. I don't think they'll compete with the above, but worth a look. 

Spendor Classic 1/2: large, stand-mounted, 3-way, possible to triwire.

Also, both de Capo & Focals are 2/way,.. 2/ way vs 3/way is another discussion. Personally I’ve always preferred a quality two-way system

+1 on 3a de Capo... Focal, Profile 908s are terrific too. There’s a pair on the “other” site in cherry for $700. I’m very tempted as thats a low price for a $2500 bookshelf speaker

No 3-way but good bass mid and highs
Ref 3A de Capo