In-wall speakers vs. bookshelves plus subwoofer for Stereo/HT setup

If you go inwalls, and budget permits, look towards James Loudspeakers.  They're about as high quality as can be. They are built with aluminum enclosures and top-notch components through out. 

I agree with the preceding responses but would ask the following questions:
1) what are you looking for from the system - i.e. how do you listen - casually doing other things, or in a dedicated spot?
2) how loudly do you tend to play the music?

The reason I ask these questions is that I faced a similar choice with a remodel a few years ago and ended up installing some higher end Sonance in walls (not in ceilings - those appeared too compromised to me) in a vaulted ceiling (I replicated an infinite baffle in the cavity and was careful with how I did it), coupled with a REL S/3 sub. The sound is remarkably satisfying for casual listening. If I play it too loudly, of course, it excites the rest of the ceiling which is noticeable as distortion.  But, we don’t really ever listen to music loudly on any of my three systems.  This system is in a common space (dining/kitchen area) and is the one we listen too more often while cooking, putzing, etc.  

If it were a dedicated listening spot and you had any notion of wanting imaging - go the bookshelf speakers.  If you want higher volume. Same.  But bookshelf speakers on a bookshelf, as previously noted, present their own challenges and compromises which I don’t think are that easily solved.  On wall speakers wouldn’t have worked for me, but might be the way to go for you.  That said, I am very satisfied with what I did in this situation and particularly enjoy that they’re nearly invisible in this space and the music is easy to listen to, smooth and full range.

As always shop carefully for on-walls or in-walls.  I found a huge difference in tonal quality - more than I expected.  Some name brands that should have been good - weren’t. 

Best,

@mgrif104 
Thanks... I do listen to music both as background, as well as dedicated listening from one chair. Plus, the front speakers act as my HT front speakers in 5.1 channel when watching movies, TV, etc...