looking for advice on bookshelf speakers

So...Maplegrovemusic, what did you finally do?

I'm also sensitive to edgy highs, and I also commend the Carbon 7s. Since Dyn's are getting mentioned here, I'll go out on a limb and say I prefer the Carbon's to the much more expensive C-1s. But the Carbons are a bit above the OPs stated pricepoint.

If the speakers are actually going to be in "bookshelf" application, and not free field on stands, I recommend Northcreek, which are designed for cramped placement, and have smooth highs.

John

Nothing yet . I will hear the dynaudio and Spendor in a month or two.The harbeths intrigue me also .

Someone mentioned single-driver speakers above and made me think of Glow Audio. You might look into their speakers (glow-audio.com). At an Axpona show a couple of years ago, I was amazed at the shrillness and glare of most of the systems on exhibit. Then I walked into the Glow Audio room and found blessed relief from their small, semi-spherical speakers playing with the Glow Audio subwoofer. They sounded very natural, without a hint of glare. And they're VERY affordable. Of course, you'll need a sub, and Glow's is very affordable, too. I've been thinking of picking up a pair myself.
-Bob

Harbeths.. Really the best choice