Small monitor- made in the states

BTW, I didn't think of him because you said "on a shelf" which wouldn't necessarily consider to be optimal so this may be moot, but then you're talking about a sub. You don't mention a budget either. If you really want to kick some very serious high-end butt with a monitor/sat system made in the USA, definitely do not miss Duke Lejune's line of Audiokineses speakers. His Planetarium system is amazing! I would definitely put it on my short list if Duke tells you it can work in a bookshelf. Not exactly small, but let me tell you, that system is taking names! Aside from the Planetarium system, I've only ever heard his much larger speaker, which is also VERY impressive but larger than you'll want. Highly recommended with no reservations.

Thanks Jax2, but at this point none of my speakers are suitable for Wombat3's application (maximum height 12").

If Audio Concepts (ACI) speakers are still available, they are excellent designs. What you can't see from eyeballing them is that designer Mike Dzurko makes (in my opinion) the correct tradeoffs in the crossover region, and the result is very natural sound.

I heard Fritz Speakers at the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest a few months ago and was quite impressed with them. Again, the designer is doing something very right in the crossover region.

Vandersteen USA made 33 years in Biz model VLR for 1100 bucks in Ebony wood sounds and looks great.
Cheers Johnnyr

I heard the Vandersteen VLR in John's (Audioconnection's) showroom with a pair of Vandersteen subs. Assuming they will work next to a wall (and John seems to think so from his post) I would highly recommend them. The combination of these speakers and the Vandy subs was some of the best sound I've heard anywhere, and took me completely by surprise. IMHO, of course. If you play them loud, though, without the subs, you will get some distortion and less clarity in the bass area; that completely goes away when you cross them over for the subs.

I second the recommendation for Fritz (www.fritzspeakers.com).