Bookshelf Recommendations

Just come upon a pair of Totem Rainmakers, within 300 miles. Could possibly audition

Anybody have any listening experience with that set up?

Totems are gréât...owned a lot of them!!  Ultimately, they are limited dynamically except for the Wind.  You really should consider JBL from Music Direct.  60 day trial...in your own room and system.  Did I mention 12”’s?

I’ve been looking at the LS50’s, Wharfdale Denton 80th, ATC SCM7’s and ELAC UB5’s, but I’d really need to AB them against my Jamo Coronet IV’s, that I bought used for $40. I’m running these 2.1 with a 10" sub and get all the SPL I can want in this 8x12 room, though a Denon 3802 AVR.

Well, just pulled the trigger on a set of blem UB5's, so now I'll be able to compare them with my Jamos and some KEF IQ1's I have.

Haven’t any experience with Carver gear, but have had some CJ preamps. Having said that, you could spend a lot more money, but I’m not sure you’ll get better bang-for-the buck than with Dali. I have Zensor 7’s and Zensor 1’s, and I still find myself chuckling at how much “music” I get out of these “budget” speakers. Others may scoff, but I frankly don’t give a firm brown stool what they have to say. My ears know what they know. (Your ears may vary)

Best of luck