Budget Speaker Recommendation?

Look no further than Triangle Titus 202.

I use them in a similar sized family room (see my system photos). Add a sub and you have competitive full range big league sound for not much. lov 'em!

I agree on Triangle. Try to find a used Celius on this site.

I liked the Celius when I bought it new several years ago and I like it more every day. Both my wife and I liked it better than the B and W 600-series (683, I think) and also better than M-L, Dali and Epos. We thought the B and W 703 was equally as good, but at double the price.

Another option might be a late model Paradigm reference series. Very easy to drive and excellent build quality.

Disappointed with the KEFs and Monitors. The Regas were ok and we both disliked the Gallo (although I think what we listened to was right out of the box so maybe not a fair comparison). That's out of the range anyway.

Anyway. That's my $0.02.

CHeck out the Canton loudspeakers, excellent value for money budget speakers

This is my own ignorance, but if they are on a bookshelf (there would be about a foot clearance from the back of the speaker to the wall), does it matter if they are ported in the rear)?