Small bookshelfs that reach 42 hz

I heard a pair of M22's last night driven by Lexicon electronics. I did not realize they have a tapered cabinet and have a position switch for near wall or free standing placement - a nice touch. The fit and finish were excellent.

They had only about 1 hour on them but even so were very refined, sweet sounding, detailed but not at all bright. The bass extended down far enough for me but was uneven - probably due to lack of break-in. There was a light haze over everything and PRaT was a little weak. I'm not sure it was the speaker - I'd be a little more likely to attibute these qualities to the front end which is voiced for Home Theater. This just points to the need for auditioning in the home instead of in an unfamiliar room with unfamiliar gear.

Tonight I'll hear the 805's and on Saturday Dynaudio Focus 140's and possibly Totem Model 1 Signature's. The bonus check came in and I'm hot for my living room 2 channel.

2nd Update:

Heard the 805's tonight and although they do some things very well they are not my cup of tea. They are very smooth, extended and have sufficient bass energy. They drew me into the music. But when it came to the PRaT it was not there. Maybe it was the bass loading into the room but they sounded growly and just didn't do what I would have liked for $3k with stands.

Then I tried the Dynaudio Focus 110, Paradigm S2 and finally Focus 140. The 110's were ripe, organic and had much better bass energy than I would have expected for their size(they are -3db at 45 hz). The S2's were detailed and were beautifully finished but they just didn't have the natural bloom of the Dyn's.

When the 140's went on it took very little time to realize I had found my speaker. Rich midrange, organic sounding, very smooth and extended on top and incredibly full on the bottom for their dimensions. Driven by a 50 watt Nait they filled the room and played as well on Stravinsky as U2 as the English Beat. Nice cabinetry too although the B&W and Revel (and Paradigm) are a little nicer there. Pushed into a corner I have to admit there are a few speakers that do PRaT a little better but these are no slouch.

Thanks to everyone for their help here.

I have owned B&W N805's and now the PMC's which utilize Dynaudio drivers and generally agree with your assessment on the 140's. The bass of my PMC bookshelves is surprisingly full and belies its dimensions. My PMC's which are TL design stays clean all the way to the bottom whenever I blast my music at high volume levels. At certain point of time I am worried the drivers might blow up but I'm impressed that nothing burns as yet. The N805's are losing control on the lower octaves in comparison and don't sound as tight and controlled. I don't use a sub to complement my speakers anymore in 2-channel and use it solely for HT duties.

However, floorstanders that are able to go down to 25-30Hz will always render a more full and complete sound compared to bookhshelves.

Good to hear you've found your right speakers in the Dynaudio.

Dynaudio Focus 110 or 140
ACI Sapphire XL ( can actually hit the 30's)
Totem Acoustic Rainmaker

All sport great tone, are listenable over an extended period of time, and sport excellent bass response that is both quick and tuneful.

What about Sonus Faber Cremona Auditor? I have auditioned them against a pair of 805 and there was no competition really. You will have to wait a bit to find them used.