Bookshelf Speakers that have to be up against the wall

In my primary dedicated listening room, imaging was a priority.  So, yes, the speakers are well out into the room with perfect symmetry.  And the imaging is fantastic.

In a second system I don't have the ability to position speakers much off the front wall.  Enter the VSA VR-33's.  I am shocked I can get such an open sound with nice imaging with the speakers only 14" from the front wall.  As good as my main system?--no.  But a very good performance none the less from a speaker designed to work well in this situation.  

I have a very similar set up and placement limitations -bookshelf speakers on the cabinet, fairly close to wall. I have two recommendations that work for me. Proac tablet 10 which are sealed speakers, and Wharfdale 220 or 225 which are extremely good value with down firing ports. Both of these work great on the cabinet even 6 inches from the wall. I put mine on acoustic pads as well. I own both speakers. 
other speakers have not worked with this placement in my experience.
proacs have better bass than the Wharfedale but much more $

Check this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zg5J3j_ANDU

just to add that my Proac Tab 10's on cabinet are in a mid sized bedroom, not the main system. I wouldn't recommend tablettes for a large room necessarily. good luck.

In my home office's desktop audio system, I've had 4-5 pairs of speakers over the past 12-13 years (2 powered; 3 passive). All were located w/in ~1 foot of the front wall (actually an inset picture window covered with heavy blinds). 

The main thing I learned is that sealed/acoustic suspension systems work better near a wall than any ported designs. 

I currently have 2 such speaker pairs: my main pair is ATC SCM12 Pros, large/heavy 2-ways that sound rather amazing. 2nd pair is a pretty 4-yr old pair of Aerial Acoustic 5Bs, also a relatively heavy 2-way system. The 5Bs have better soundstaging and would probably light up the room w/soundstage if pulled out from the wall & put on stands. I'll sell the 5Bs soon because I just can't keep multiple pairs of speakers going...and I love those ATCs. 

Had the Wharfedale Diamond 225s here and they sounded pretty good, though clearly not in the league of the 5Bs or ATCs.

Sealed is the way to go when near-wall placement is unavoidable.

Note: my system is nearfield, which probably minimizes the soundstaging deficits of close placement.