Bookshelf speakers on a bookshelf (Sad)

@roxy54 

I'm not so sure, there are a couple of data points in the OP's dialogue that deserve mention.

(1) His wife obviously has exceptional hearing if she expelled from her home and summarily banished a pair of B&W's and,

(2) She agreed to jointly build a home on a golf course.

There is a special place in heaven for all of our significant others (if there happens to be a place in the cloud for us at all). The problem here may rest with whether we deserve our good fortune or not. A footnote to this story as well...since they were building, the OP could have specified a purpose built listening room and he did not. Therefore, if splitting hairs, this is a self inflicted challenge the OP must overcome LOL. Best to all.

@ghasley is absolutely right. No one build a new house and worry about where to put his gears later. Unless he doesn’t really like audio. That’s a lifetime opportunity. The poor wife might even have nothing to do with the ordeal. She might just be a scapegoat. Anyway, none of my business. Sorry I even commented on it. My bad.

I would have recommended Harbeth, I have them on a bookshelf, but they are not a good match with McIntosh (no hate there, I had that setup and it was not a good match). And if you liked the sound of your B&W's, you probably won't like the Harbeth sound. The Raidho and Kef are good suggestions as I have heard them, and they were also recommended to me as bookshelf's when I was looking. I heard the Wilson's, but was not impressed for the price, but they would work if you can hear them first. Other suggestions here seem good too, but are ones I haven't personally heard.

Enjoy the new home. Jealous of the golf course!

I will second the Vandersteens. The VLR's are made for bookshelf positioning and if you add a Sub 3 or two, you will own a very capable system- especially if they are driven by the Mac's.

Don't let the diminutive size fool you, these little guys can Rock when you put the juice to them.

If you are near a dealer, I recommend scheduling an audition.

Bob

Instead of asking us, I think you should ask your wife. Obviously the safer route in your household.