Used Bookshelf up to $3k

Kef R3 Meta and Revel M126Be are good choices.

Pindac

My Merlins are on a bookshelf, but plenty of air around them. No room for stands. In my case, not much choice. Sound is quite good IMO.

Before space limitations, I was in love with a pair of floor stander JTMs by Carolina Audio. I could listen to those all day.

Omega Alnico speakers.. Call Lois very nice guy.Omega are very dynamic and musical speakers.

The Spendor A1.2 is a true bookshelf speaker!

NEW A-Line Datasheet A1.2

And so is the Vandersteen VLR!

Compact Speakers | Vandersteen Audio

OP

what amps are you using? I have heard the Reference DeCappo driven by 300B and they sound magical. just add a sub and it is end game. Look at my profile and I believe I have a pretty much end game for me

if you just like how others sound, then Buchardt S400 II are good sounding speakers that may adhere to your taste. 

Good luck