I would suggest you go out and listen to as many speakers as you can. Without knowing your room or the rest of your system it will be tough to make a solid recommendation. In the past I bought and sold a bunch of monitors to audition which was a lot of fun and I learned a lot along the way. If you are wise about buying and selling you can do this with little or no loss. You may even find a pair you like that falls well below your stated budget. Best of luck.
Bookshelfs budget is $ 2000.
I am trying to get closer to a decision regarding speakers ( bookshelf). Been reading the speaker section on Audiogon for hours and no closer to any Idea. The music is Jazz and Classical. Kef R 300 or KLH 5? Have not heard either one just going by posters comments. I am looking for a warm mellow sound but not muddy. The amp is SS 100 watts per channel. Any help to narrow the options would be a great help. I know it is a question with many answers but I need to start somehow. New or used? Regards Peter