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Small monitors/bookshelves for classical music

I currently own KEF iQ5 floorstanding speakers and ROTEL RB980BX Power Amp. I listen to classical music(Bach, Mahler, Wagner, etc). Though KEF iQ5 lacks deep bass, I am completely fine with that when listening to classical music.

I am seeking to buy a pair of new/used monitors/bookshelf speakers. I want a truly "bookshelf" speaker which can be put on a desk or even a bookshelf. I will not put them on stands. Neither will I pair them with a subwoofer. But I will pair them with this ROTEL RB980BX. ROTEL RB980BX is very powerful, 120W/ch. I can spend below $600.

After doing multiple painful searches online and on this forum, I have several potential speakers/monitors in mind.
PSB Alpha B1
B&W 686 or 685
Paradigm Mini
hl10027
schubert
7,386 posts
 
KEF 103.2 would be a good choice.I recently picked up a pair of KEF 1.5 's which I found better than PSB Alpha B1
in a den situation. but a 1st row presentation re the PSB darker mid-hall sound.

Like you,I am a classical fan,having owned Paradigm Mini and Atom in the past IMHO they are voiced for rock and too
rough for classical.

The absolute best small speaker I've heard that can be found for your money is the Silverline Minuet.
4musica44107
520 posts
 
Rega RS1.
timrhu
2,779 posts
 
Here's another excellent choice for your situation and music taste. Mirage OMD5 sold by Vanns, brand new. A subwoofer could always be added later if needed.
timrhu
2,779 posts
 
Let's try this again. Mirage on Audiogon
rgs92
974 posts
 
Oops, missed your price point Hl10027, sorry.
Quad 9Ls (or 12Ls) actives are nice if you have preamp-outputs somewhere in your system.
I have both on computers & like them a lot.
The 9Ls can be found for about $500 used and are very silky and well defined at at the same time.
They can even be driven right from your source with their own remote volume control.
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