Best Bookshelf speaker 1300.00 budget

Going to place them on stands. What I have narrowed down my list to..Kef LS50, Revel 105, Nola Boxer, Vapor Breeze, and Dulcets from Reference 3A

Proac Response 2. The original front ported model, not the rear ported 2s. The front port allows more flexible placement in a small room.

Available for under $1,300, and sometimes under $1,000 used. Check the reviews.

KEF LS50 is only ported speaker I have heard that doesnt sound ported (many have bass hump and start huffing at higher levels). LS 50 has incredible drivers and technology for the money. Will be used in my second system with CJ Premiere 350 amp and equally good source components. I believe the LS50 will rise to the occasion with high quality supporting gear.

BTW i have heard Proac D2 and it is a great stand mount. Exceptional at imaging.

I agree with Podeschi about how well managed the port is in the LS50. I've got a real bias against ported speakers in my small (11x12)room but the LS50 works in that room remarkably well and is the first ported design I've had in there that doesn't start to get on my nerves after a few weeks of listening. It's a nice speaker. I rotate it in and out of the system along with the Harbeth P3ESR and would be hard pressed to pick a favorite as each has its own strengths and weaknesses vs. the other.