Best Smaller Bookshelf Speakers For Use Exclusively With Ambient Music?

How about http://www.caintuckaudio.com/

I would look at Sonos. I know it’s not high end audiophile, but it’s well within your budget and sounds good (I run a pair in my office). 

I've had the Quad 12L2 for years, and they are excellent...just today a friend commented on their sound of "natural warmth"...currently used with Quad Vena ll Integrated

jl35:

What size room do you use them in.

The earlier version I tried was good in our living room, but kind of draw dropping, considering the price, when I tried them in our spare bedroom (approx. 12 X 16).

The spare room had the advantage of them being symmetrically placed (without other door openings/rooms in the mix).

The living room is an odd "U" shape including the dining area/kitchen, and also considerably larger in volume.

DeKay

I've used them in two smaller rooms...both about 10 x 12, with good placement options, though I found they always sounded good, even with odd placements...also used with MF M2si...