Bookshelf speaker ideas....

Hard to imagine you'd be disappointed with the PSBs, but then you never know which speaker will really "do it" for any individual's preferences (would help if you went into some detail in what you're looking for soundwise) so definitely try to get out to hear more. I've heard the Silverline Minuets sound fantastic with relatively inexpensive electronics, and Nola Boxers might be worth a listen as well (would need to get used to hit your price range). I just noticed a pair of Joseph Audio RM7si Signature MkIIs for sale here for 900 bucks, which I'd take over just about anything else listed here. But that's me.

Here's a link for stands that are probably at least decent in terms of price/performance (I'd get something fillable with sand or lead shot).
http://www.parts-express.com/cat/speaker-stands/2017

Oh, and I'd avoid $300 floorstanders unless you get a good deal on a used pair.

Best of luck.

This may or may not be helpful. http://news.cnet.com/8301-13645_3-20099395-47/the-audiophiliacs-top-10-speakers-from-$40-to-$400/

I started 8 months ago with a pair of paradigm mini monitors (v.6 made in canada, not the current v.7, which is made in china) and they were good enough that I caught the upgrade bug and now have paradigm studio 20's, which I absolutely love. If you are really interested, I will connect them to my 55wpc onkyo to let you know how they sound with that amp. As for stands, I've always used cinder blocks as they are solid and heavy as hell, along with being acousticaly dead and cheap. I used to place my turntables on them with great results too. You can also stash your c.d.'s in them. You could get a pair of v.6 mini monitors for $200, or a pair of used studio 20's for $1,000.

Energy veritas bookies. had a listen recently run by a Cambridge amp. surprisingly good bass for a tiny driver. very soft and smooth. would be better than 602's. good price new in USA around 400 a speaker. i almost bought myself a pair.

Hmm I was just reading about the studio 20 and was not aware of the differences in v.5, 6, 7 etc. If these are really great I could splurge and get a pair for $1000. Are you suggesting I avoid the v.7? What about v.5 etc. That would be great if you could connect to your onkyo but from what I've been told in a store, the amp does not make a huge difference in this price range unless it's really to high or low in power for a particular speaker....Thanks in advance!