Best budget bookshelf speakers for 3-600 dollars.

I'll second Sfar's and third Timrhu's recommendations. I am concerned about the new info re: computer source and bedroom location though. Where these speakers are to be positioned and your listening position are very relevent issues. This may be more of a concern with 1st order speakers like the Meadowlark, Vandersteens et al..Many speakers need a minimum distance from the listener to achieve performance potential. As for the computer source, that might be another issue. What are your plans for amplification?

As for amplification I was planning to use a intergrated amp either the Nad C320BEE or the audio refinement complete. Yes room constraints is an issue since my computer is situation on the same wall as my 32" television. I plan to position the speakers on either side of my television. I plan to use m-audio audiophile (external usb) as source. I plan to listen from my bed, or from my computer chair. I know that a perfect set-up but it's the best I can do until I move into a house and have a seperate listening room.

It was for this issue with my room that so many people suggested near-field bi-amp speakers such as genelec or dynaudio. I listened to some and even though they do many things well, there just not to musical to listen to.

I also figured going with an amp would give better flexiblity in the future than just buying active studio monitors. That's why I wanted to get suggestion of good bookshelf speakers that are fairly small but good performers. Is it possible with my room constraints?

On second thought should I be concentrating on getting mini-monitors??

Perhaps you could give us actual room dimensions and your planned speaker placement and listening distances? Do you plan to listen to the integrated amp/speakers while using your computer and/or watching TV?

Daimbert, no criticism intended here, but you do seem a bit befuddled, and I'm not sure a dozen more posts recommending different speakers is going to solve that problem. So my first suggestion is to stop asking for advice and get out and listen to some speakers. Start to figure out what you like, rather than worrying about what everybody else likes. When you pin things down a little, you can come back here and ask some more specific questions.

On the bookshelf vs. floorstander question, my advice is to go with the bookshelf. (Yes, you'll need stands, but you don't need to spend an arm and a leg for these. Just look for something stable.) I don't think there are too many good floorstanders in your price range. You're buying more bass, but not necessarily a lot more bass, and probably not better bass. I prefer a speaker that doesn't try to do everything, because it's more likely to do most things right.

Something like the Paradigm Monitor 3 or the PSB Image B25 or the Infinity Beta 20 might suit you. All run in the $400-500 range. I suggest you check their websites to find dealers in your area.