salesperson recomends what do you think

As Dtc says, IF you can go with a small-footprint floor stander, I doubt if ANY speaker under 5k will best the Siverline Preludes in a small room . I got mine in a local pickup here on A-gon for 600 bucks.

I use them in my 12x11 TV room as my TV speakers, mostly to listen to the great vocalists of the 30's and 40's on the digital cable tv musical channels.Even with just a Sony AVR, albeit their top of the line, it often brings tears to my eyes.

Sounds like you have a good salesperson, but only if they let you take each home and actual hear them in your system. Otherwise, its all bs.

The one that I wouldn't waste my time on are the B&W's. Real screamers. But, if you lack hearing in any way they may be to your liking. The SF's are rather nice sounding. The other two I haven't heard.

I agree with Schubert about B&W but there are plenty of people that go Ga Ga over them so you certainly should check them out.

If I was in the market for speakers in that price bracket I would listen to those.

But listen to other stuff as well. Take your time - its not a race.

I know you mention bookshelves but IMHO the speaker to beat for just a smidgen more at $2k a pair is the Martin Logan Electromotion Electrostatic. Check that out as well. I think you will find it a SIGNIFICANT step over any of the speakers you have mentioned.

Even if it turns out to be just a bit too expensive or you really want a bookshelf it will show you what is possible.

Thanks
Bill

Check out the KEF LS50 for a small room.