I'd like to third the Triangles, with Aball's recommendation of the Titus ES (if I have that right) at the head of the line for budget and size reasons. Comète has more bass but is bigger and will cost you more. If you could get them on sturdy supports, though, the Titus' bass would surprise you, and their detail and imaging too.
For glorious mids, you might want to aim for a tube integrated eventually. If you do, a pair of Triangles will accompany you all the way.
There's also a recommendation for PSB up there. We have both PSBs and Paradigms (Alpha Mini and Titan) in the kids' systems and their "house" sound is quite different. The Paradigms seem to boost upper-mid bass and treble, but dip in the mids so they sound relatively laid back. The PSB sound is more about the mids. They sound more forward and personally I prefer that. However the Triangles are a big step up (in refinement) from either of these, IMHO.
A last thought: if you really have to put the speakers on a bookshelf, real close to the wall, look for a pair made specifically for that placement. Against the wall plays hob with bass response and imaging. It's possible the Linns you mention are designed for it. Alternatively in your price range, North Creek Music makes the remarkable Echo micro-monitor, mostly as a kit but I am sure George Short could help you find an assembled pair.
http://www.northcreekmusic.com/
For glorious mids, you might want to aim for a tube integrated eventually. If you do, a pair of Triangles will accompany you all the way.
There's also a recommendation for PSB up there. We have both PSBs and Paradigms (Alpha Mini and Titan) in the kids' systems and their "house" sound is quite different. The Paradigms seem to boost upper-mid bass and treble, but dip in the mids so they sound relatively laid back. The PSB sound is more about the mids. They sound more forward and personally I prefer that. However the Triangles are a big step up (in refinement) from either of these, IMHO.
A last thought: if you really have to put the speakers on a bookshelf, real close to the wall, look for a pair made specifically for that placement. Against the wall plays hob with bass response and imaging. It's possible the Linns you mention are designed for it. Alternatively in your price range, North Creek Music makes the remarkable Echo micro-monitor, mostly as a kit but I am sure George Short could help you find an assembled pair.
http://www.northcreekmusic.com/