Best small/monitor/bookshelf speakers?

There is a good review of several different models in the $500 and under range in last months Listner magazine. Results and comparisons are made with reviewers preference for best of pack. Check it out.

for the money (possibly your son's room) acoustic energy aegis 1's. only $250, sound as good as anything under $1000. worth a listen if money is a true factor. blows away the b&w 302dm AND the 601 for that matter...

Thanks for all the excellent input. We are starting to read information and reviews of nearly all of the above models.. and will try to listen to all. Your advise and experience is appreciated! Jim

Soliloquy makes a Sat 5, $600, same construction and drivers as their upscale models, premier veneer finishes, about 6" square and 12" tall. No port, so it's good for shelves and tables. The sound is excellent, and they soundstage like bandits. As mentioned in another thread, the Triangle Titus, about $500, is Sam Tellig's favorite, said to more clear and lively than other speakers. Slightly larger at 8x10x16", and truly outstanding, is the Reynaud Twin Mark II, which just won a speaker shootout in Listener mag, at $745, ossaudio.com, jm-reynaud.com. All of these are seriously good speakers that will elevate you above the $300-400 range. And try some Analysis Plus speaker cable, a bargain at $151, 8' pair. Good luck!