Bookshelf vs. Floorstand

A good bookshelf will perform better than a cheap floorstander as you suspect and can hold their own against even many good floorstanders, you do need good stands for bookshelf speakers so you must keep that in mind in your choice between the two. That said, if you like the sound of Paradigm 100's (I do)...you won't find many or maybe even no bookshelf that can outperform a floorstander of this size in shear weight and output. With a sub that is well matched to your speakers and room you should have no problem surpassing the Paradigm.

Dave

Give a listen to a pair of paradigm studio 20's with the servo 15 sub. An awesome combination. Sub/satellite combos don't always sound that great though. I prefer the sound of stand mount speakers without a sub the best, however.

If space is an issue and you prefer bookshelf speakers I'd recommend Green Mountain Audio Europas. There are many testamonials on this site that speak to the Europas greatness.

Stands are VERY important. Fundemental extension of your monitors. Great monitors deserve great stands. I have the Revel M20s matched with the Sistrum Mini Monitor Platform System. Now that's a support system. They (Starsound Technnologies) also have another stand (less expensive) that is, also, fabulous. peace, warren