Bookshelf speaker ideas....


I am looking for a nice set of bookshelf speakers and will have them on stands.
Want to do some serious enjoying of classical, jazz and soft rock music in my collection. Have a decent 55 wpc Onkyo receiver. Reading up on Polk RTi A3, Klipsch RB-81II and Energy RC10. Obviously, I am not looking to spend in three figures. Called a well regarded stereo store who doesn't do the "boutique" brands and claims there are speakers to be had for around $300 a pair that are "better than monitors".....any thoughts on all this? I am trying to sort this all out and it's hard to find stores that have a lot of brands to compare. Thanks!
moverbob
If I were you, I would upgrade the receiver and the cd player, and spend less on used speakers - you must balance the system to get a good sound.

You could get this NAD dvd receiver and buy used speakers, and you will end up with better quality sound.

http://www.spearitsound.com/product.cgi?group=322&product=5146

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-Paradigm-Reference-Studio-20-High-Definition-Subwoofers-Speakers-System-v-1-/261114333518?pt=Speakers_Subwoofers&hash=item3ccba0894e

Spend a little to upgrade the cables and you will end up with a surprisingly good sounding balanced system for under $1000 complete. You will have left over for a stands for the spekaers.

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/IXOSXHS806SREM/IXOS-Xhs806-11-Awg-Gamma-Geometry-Speaker-Wire-White-9-Foot-Piece/1.html
Thanks for these ideas. I am going for (hopefully used) excite x12 and a music hall a15.2 which has phono stage that might be handy some day for me and also great reviews. I assume that if I am playing digital music a la CD or computer ( mostly lossless) I will want to get their < $300 DAC add on too!? I Assume it makes a big difference...
There's a pair of Black Ash,Monitor Audio Silver RS 1's for sale here right now that are REALLY good speakers.Not quite up to the Dynaudio level but then they don't cost near as much & their much easier to drive!FWiW I have owned Dynaudio Focus 140's & Audience 52SE's & I LOVE Dynaudio speakers.