Bookshelf speakers on a budget

I'm piecing this stuff together overtime so I'm focusing on speakers right now. $400 is now my top limit.

For the time being I'm going to use my friend's amp until I either purchase his, or (depending on what power needs of me speakers) purchase another one.

The discounted (discolored driver) Elacs are on Amazon in your budget, fwiw- I saw them today. Not sure if returns are accepted, etc.

I don't know how they will work with your gear in your room- that's the true test. 

The Elac reviews are generally positive, but I didn't pay attention to setup or amplifier details. 

Right now I'm using a Jolida FX-10 that my friend is letting me borrow.

IMO, not enough power for either the Dali's or the Elac's.  If your are strongly considering buying this amp from your friend, then start looking at easier to drive speakers that have an impedance of 8 Ohms or greater and sensitivity ratings in the mid 90's.

I'm looking to put the speakers on a credenza so they will be about 1'6'' away from the wall, will this be enough space?

Wow, that is one deep credenza.  Since the speakers are 8.6" to 9.9" deep plus the 18" you site, the credenza must be at least 27-28" deep!  Are you sure?  Remember, its the rear ports that must be at least 18" from the back wall for proper bass response.

I really think your looking at the wrong speakers for your amp.  This is a classic case of why speakers should always be the first component you should buy.  And then the amp to properly drive them.  Right now your severly limited by your low wattage tube amp. 

Not enough power is CRAP!I'm driving Dali Zensor 1's with 10wpc.Se Class A EL34 integrated in a 12'x14' apartment living room & it's plenty loud!

This is a classic case of why speakers should always be the first
component you should buy.

Well, I kind of am buying my speakers before my amp. The components I've purchased are the table and the pre-amp. Remember I haven't bought an amp yet. I'm going to buy some speakers, power it with my friends amp for the time being until I find a reasonably priced, decent amp to power the speakers. I'll probably end up getting speaker stands down the road. 

Which leads me to my next question. What is a reasonably priced amp to drive these speakers. I posted a link to an article with a few options. 

You all have to remember, I don't have the disposable income to go out and by speakers, stands, and an amp all at once (plus I need a new cartridge). This is why I'm piecing stuff together little by little.