Your proposition all around sounds like a loser. There are a few mini-monitors that are fast enough and devoid enough of box resonances to approach the speed and transparency of electrostatics, but not sitting on a bookshelf 6' off the floor and a few inches from the back wall.
Second, if you want these for "background music," why the push for the in-your-face transparency of electrostatics?
Third, if you want them for background music, you need something with strong bass response at low signal levels, or they will just sound scratchy and annoying. If you go the mini-monitor route, you should also get a compact subwoofer or two to add bass balance to the underpowered speakers.
Although they're not transparent like electrostatics, the best thing I can think of for your situation is a pair of Bose 901's. Theyare very compact, sound just fine 6' off the floor and are meant to interact with the wall about 1' behind them. They have three other advantages:
1. The direct/reflected approach energizes the entire room, perfect for background and casual listening no matter where you are in the room, standing or sitting.
2. The full-range driver concept removes any crossover interference from the listening spectrum. The midrange will be clean and uncluttered.
3. The active equalizer module makes sure the bass response is part of the tonal balance even at low volume.
I say get a pair of 901s from a vendor that allows a trial period, hook them up and let them break in, and see if they give you just what you're looking for. I recommend you set the speakers on a set of Vibrapods or other shock absorbers if you place them directly on bookshelves.
Second, if you want these for "background music," why the push for the in-your-face transparency of electrostatics?
Third, if you want them for background music, you need something with strong bass response at low signal levels, or they will just sound scratchy and annoying. If you go the mini-monitor route, you should also get a compact subwoofer or two to add bass balance to the underpowered speakers.
Although they're not transparent like electrostatics, the best thing I can think of for your situation is a pair of Bose 901's. Theyare very compact, sound just fine 6' off the floor and are meant to interact with the wall about 1' behind them. They have three other advantages:
1. The direct/reflected approach energizes the entire room, perfect for background and casual listening no matter where you are in the room, standing or sitting.
2. The full-range driver concept removes any crossover interference from the listening spectrum. The midrange will be clean and uncluttered.
3. The active equalizer module makes sure the bass response is part of the tonal balance even at low volume.
I say get a pair of 901s from a vendor that allows a trial period, hook them up and let them break in, and see if they give you just what you're looking for. I recommend you set the speakers on a set of Vibrapods or other shock absorbers if you place them directly on bookshelves.