Bookshelf Speaker question


I want to splurge a little this coming tax-season, and want to spend between $300-500 on a set of bookshelf speakers. What would you guys recommend for my price range? I'm willing to buy used so that I can keep my options open. Right now, I'm looking at specs and reviews on the Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 or Totem Acoustic Dreamcatcher. I'm new to "better" audio, so any advice is appreciated. I listen to a lot of different types of music, so I'm looking for a speaker system that can handle almost anything. Thank you in advance.
hifinewb
the room is about 12x9 and its longer than it is wide. The speakers will be on stands approximately 7 feet apart and 2 feet from the rear walls and they will be mated to a sub. I have a vintage Kenwood integrated that is rated at 30wpc @ 8ohms but can handle speakers from 4-8 ohms. I have carpet on top of concrete slab, but I may be replacing it with the DIY hardwod flooring.
ok, so with your low-powered amp you need speakers with high sensitivity (e.g. 91 db or better)--at your price point i'd look at energy rc or veritas (used)or klipsch rb; triangle is also worth a listen--these are all go all-rounders.
Sorry, I disagree about 91 db or better. There are virtually no bookshelf speakers with that high a sensitivity rating. Most British bookshelf speakers will work as they are usually made with low powered British amps in mind.
I have even used Dynaudio with 30 watt Naim amp with good results. As long as you don't want to play at concert levels, you will do fine.
Consider Epos.
I did some research and the wharfedales i was considering are $350 new and the totems are $525. Have any of you had experience with these brands? Are they worth it or should I just search for Energy or Klipsch as most of you are suggesting. Id like some advice on good cable in the $50-100 range. That may be a longshot, but I'll ask anyway. Thanks for the posts keep them coming I'm learning a lot here.