In the budget bookshelf - I've also listened to the Wharfedale Diamond 8.1, 8.2 Anniversary, and the Monitor Audio Bronze B1 (but not its larger sibling the B2). All are quite remarkable for the price (between 2k and 3k, depending on purchase method - demo, web, etc.) Tweeters and midrange are great; bass is naturally somewhat limited by small cabinet size - but still decent if you don't need a really deep low end. Brit-design speakers seem very good for vocals.
Wharfedale diamonds are front-ported, so positioning near wall is okay. MAB B1 is rear-ported, though I think the B2 is front-ported.
Seem to be quite a few dealers for Wharfedales (even BestBuy - although I'm not sure they carry the Diamonds)
MABs seem to have a more limited dealership. I listened to a demo pair provided by a Home Theater installation company in the New England region.