Bookshelf speakers for $500ish

Thanks for all the ideas!

I auditioned the Rega RS1 and Dali Zensor 3 today. I liked aspects of each: the neutrality and detail of the Rega and the openness and blend of instruments of the Dali. However the Dali was just not tonally to my liking, and so Rega is my current frontrunner.

@Timrhu, thanks for the link, but I couldn't view- it said I didn't have permission to view the page.

I plan to do more audition sessions, so please chime in with more suggestions and thoughts. Thanks!

"....4-24-15: Seikosha
For all those recommending rear ported speakers for a person who is going to back them against the wall, have you heard the speakers you are recommending in that position..."

yes

The REGA bookshelves are designed to perform placed up against a wall. They even have their own wall mounting brackets available.

@Timrhu, thanks for the link, but I couldn't view- it said I didn't have permission to view the page.

I'm guessing you have to be a member there to view ads. The ad is for a pair of "mint" RS1s in piano black finish for $440 all in. I'm tempted every time I check classifieds at that site even though I have too many speakers already. It's just that I recall auditioning a pair of the Rega speakers a few years ago and was impressed.
Good luck with your search.

You mentioned two speakers you were considering. I am not familiar with the KEFs however do own the B&K 685s, which I use in a second system. I heard then in a dealership placed on a shelf against a wall and they sounded very good driven by a Rotel 1520 integrated amp. I bought them on AG used with the idea that should I wish to change, I could sell them at little loss. The 685s do show up used here on occasion for ~$350. I also heard the Rega RS1 and also liked them. However temporal distance and environmental differences prevent me from making any comparative statements.

Do you have a dealer for the speakers you are considering who would let you audition at home?

@Mesch: I'm not sure if they offer home audition, it's worth checking into. Their price is $800 for the Rega- double the cost of a used Minuet that I could sell for a little loss, as you mentioned. I'd be interested to hear from anyone who's compared those two (RS1 and Minuet).