Just confused about where to start


Hello all,

I'm looking to add speakers to my audiophile setup which currently consists of (very high end) headphones. I want speakers for everything the headphones cannot do - simple enough. Problem is, I'm having difficulty deciding which gear I want to buy. I demoed a pair of B&W 705 S2's today and was very impressed. Unfortunately, my budget isn't that high. It's $1500 total, for the speakers and amp combined. Source is a computer. I listened to a cheaper pair of B&W bookshelf speakers (can't remember which, but were around $1200) and was not impressed. I am leaning toward bookshelf speakers but don't know if getting floorstanding at this price point would be a large increase in quality. The room they will be placed in is only 100 square feet. I am willing to buy used.

So, my questions, summed up are:

Is bookshelf a better option than floorstanding?

Is it worth looking at cheaper B&W models, or should I look at other companies altogether?

At least with headphones, I like a pretty neutral sound, if not a tad warm. Are there any companies that predominantly have this sound signature?

How should the room size inform my choice of speakers?



muffinhead123

Powered Kef LS 50's may be good for you. the LS 50 has great reviews and after listening to them I agree the do music justice.  

http://us.kef.com/ls50-wireless


@tutetibiimperes the room will be used as a living room space among my flatmates and I. That means that the room will have some furniture in it. It will be carpeted. The speakers will be set up with a TV, but I personally intend to use them for mainly music.
@glennewdick
So suppose I go the powered speakers route: are there any major concessions being made over bookshelf speakers? I'm seeing the LS50's for $800 used right now, so that means I could spend a bit more.
When I first read your post, I thought "oh my, he is going to get soooo many ideas that it'll be very difficult to sort through to come up with a good solution".... with that, even though I have a few different ideas than posted, the solution that tutetibiimperes laid out is a very satisfying system. It'll have balanced sound, image well and fit every room except very large rooms.  I'd run with his suggestions. 
@muffinhead,
Yes, synergy is very important. Specs need to checked, but the amp and speakers need to compliment each other. ie, you may not want a detailed amp with highly resolving speakers.