Used Bookshelf up to $3k

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 

Have a Belles 501 (succesor to Aria) integrated and a B&W sub.

Depends on your musical preferences but I’ve been thoroughly impressed with Harbeth 30.1. They sound delicious for anything but harder music. They do pretty descent with that also if crossed over 80hz or so to a sub. That said I just bought them to try out and am selling them tomorrow but have really enjoyed the month I’ve had with them. If I mostly listened to vocals, acoustic anything etc I think they would be my end game. Not sure they would do on a shelf however. 

I was listening to my Merlins last night while tying trout flies. Playing some later Mark Knopfler ( not with Dire Straights). I noticed a slight bit of what I would refer to as "mushiness" on some of the vocals. Not the first time....still think it's me though. So, if vocal clarity were a significant role does anyone have any thoughts.

Have been looking at both Spendor and Totem.

I've had two pairs of TSM Black Magic, and a pair of VSM MXe.
I just sold my last pair of TSM, and a pair of ProAc D40R, and replaced them with...... a $300 pair of Spica TC-50 !

Happy as a pig in the proverbial...