I'm looking for inexpensive bookshelf speakers.

I just received a new pair of Axiom M3ti and am breaking them in. $300 new, shipping included. I really like them. They are detailed with nice midrange and decent bottom to 60 Hz. They will not play to concert volumes, but no speaker in that price range can. I also love my Von Schweikert VR-1s and they can found used for $600. The VR-1s are definitely better and if you can find them, that would be my recommendation. But, the Axioms are a great sound for not much money, a real value. I run them with a classic Kenwood integrated amp for a bedroom system. I am using Atoms for surrounds in the home theater now since I tried them in the bedroom and didn't like them at all. Good luck!

The latest Hi-Fi+ issue has a double review of the new Castle Acoustics Richmond 3i; both are raves to the extent that both reviewers (Martin Colloms is one) will use it as their budget reference. In the UK they cost £320 and in the US less than $600.

I agree with your original assessment of the B&W. I also like the Epos speakers in that range. You can usually find some of their speakers that retail above $1000 for about half that used here.

The Spendor S3/5 should be on your short list.

I'll jump on the NHT bandwagon as well. In their price range, they are just killer. And FWIW, I slightly prefered the focus and detail of the SB2 to the slightly greater frequency range of the SB3. There are many great little speakers that I haven't heard, but in my experience, the NHT's stood at the top of my list, until you start moving up into ProAc, Totem or Thiel range.

Tom.