Bookshelf speakers on a budget

New Elacs designed by Andrew Jones are all the buzz. Cheers,
Spencer

I have to agree with Williewonka and Sbank. I have owned the Tannoy Mercury M2 speakers a couple of years ago and they are a VERY musical speaker and if you can find them they will hit your budget. A sub may be needed. When I had the Mercury M2 powered by a Hafler DH500 and the bass was good but the highs were so so. Like stated above you may need a sub.

Years later I just couldn't resist the ELAC Debut B6 speakers because of the price and buzz around them. With a pair of Red Dragon M1000 monoblock amps they were wonderful sounding. I felt the air coming out of those ports when I cranked up the volume. With a Jolida JD502P tube amp the B6 speakers were almost as nice. A little more warm in the top end.

YMMV and good luck with the search.

Dali Zensor.Zensor1 if you have a really small room,Zensor3 will give you BIG bass but will need a bit more room to breathe.BOTH will give you a wonderfuly musical presentation with excellent imaging & sound staging!

Any opinions on the Wharfedale 10.2 speakers?

If you can stretch the budget just a bit, I'd suggest taking a strong look at the Peachtree D5 at $599 a pair.  These used to sell for $799, and were a good bang for the buck then.  Very nice looking and decent bass for their size.  I'm really happy with mine.