$1000 bookshelf speakers with "recessed", "laid back" or "flat" mid-range?


Dear all,
As stated above, I am looking for a bookshelf speaker with a mid-range that is laid back, recessed or flat. I currently own a pair of Elac Uni-Fi UB5, and I find their presentation quite forward in the mid-range, which I don't appreciate, especially at moderate to high volumes. I also own a pair or Pioneer SP-BS22, which I find more pleasing sounding (particularly the more recessed mid-range) than the Elac.
Since I can't audition speakers where I live, I am asking for your recommendations on bookshelf speakers that have a more "recessed" or "flatter" presentation in the mid-range. I have a budget of $1000. Any help will be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!
128x128luciano33
I love my Wharfedale 225. I can listen for hours with no fatigue.  I'm buying a second set...... Everything else gives me a headache. 
I found that a lot of comments here give wrong impression how a speakers sound, no you don't recommend the speakers because you know how it sound directly, rather you know it sound like that because you have your own matching, yes generally a speakers brand sounding tend to bright/neutral/warm side, but we do not take that for granted. With my current setup audio chain Fostex HP-A3 DAC/preamp > Class D Audio SDS-470C power amp, over the years I've concluded an excellent tonal balance can be achieved through the speakers Wharfedale Denton 80th, not the 85th take note, and I don't judge whether it sound neutral/bright/warm on the speakers model alone, I can only tell from my current setup, it's very engaging and powerful sound, neutral or warm seem not the right word to describe the sound, I can feel the atomic sound particle that melt my heart when listening to the Denton, yet the sound is also very resolving when come to details, yet the sound can rocking good in terms of bass presentation. Other gears I've experienced include NAD M22 v2, Elac Debut B6, Klipsch RP-600M, Wharfedale Diamond 220, Wharfedale Evo 4.2, Yamaha A-S801, NAD 3020i, Monitor Audio Bronze 2, Marantz PM6005, Kanto YU6, Audinst HUD-MX1, JDS Labs ODAC, JDS Labs Objective2, JDS Element, Sonus Faber Sonetto I, Q Acoustics 3050i, Wharfedale Diamond 9.1, PSB Alpha B1.
Great information here! Looking at those Warfedale 80’s and wondering what a good integrated amp or regular 2-ch amp would be. Currently using powered speakers connected to DAC running of my laptop. Addicted to streaming... I believe with the DAC, cable upgrades, I’ve squeezed all I can out of the Audioengine A5’s, so of course, here I now go down the rabbit hole even though these sound amazing. This is set up in an open back den. About 12 x15 with 8ft ceilings.

So, using a laptop and a DAC, is an integrated amp the way to go if connecting the Warfedales? Or just a regular 2-channel amp with an option for a sub?   Bi-wiring? If so, any suggestions for a good one under 1K? Music Direct has a little Rega for $595 that looks good for the desktop. Not sure I need the "integration" part.  No cd/turntable being connected and no fancy streaming devices other than my laptop. If it helps, I'm using the Chord Qutest DAC.
Thanks in advance!