Bookshelf speakers on a bookshelf (Sad)

@blisshifi Indeed...you give/gave wise advice.

I had a similar situation for a room and tried almost everything. I ended up with the Audio Note K SPX (the OP should probably consider the SPE for cost) driven by SHindo electronics. The K is so versatile, its shallow and its a sealed design. Without seeing his intsallation if he bought a Leben 300, an OTO SE Signature or even a Sugden/Luxman class A, somthing like that I predict excellent results. I had the K's installed on their sides on some Isoacoustics Aperta stands for adjustability and the sound was superb. Very little compromise other than at higher volumes the sound didn't "scale" evenly. At lower volumes it was a little like having a loudness button engaged. Had a wireless subwoofer setup that I only used maybe 25% of the time.

Try something good/inexpensive to get you started.

The Sonus Faber speakers (linked) were designed with bookshelf placement in mind, plus they are nice looking and well received/reviewed.

They could always be used elsewhere once you are settled in and have a grip on the new room's sonics.

DeKay

I would get rid of the cabinet and tell her it was stolen. My wife knew long before we were married that the stereo is my baby only. 

Then he would need something to cover the gaping void...

DeKay

Hahahahahah!

thank you guys for all the help I need it.  I’ll be honest, it basically comes down to a free pass to drink and play golf every Friday-Sunday and she gets to design the house.  It’s not as bad as you thin. (We live on a golf course).  So I’m not a total P&%sy.