I'm looking for inexpensive bookshelf speakers.

NHT SuperOnes, Quad 11L (very Rogers like but with bass and dynamics), Axiom, Acoustic Energy, Velodyne (yes they made monitors). The Quads and Acoustic Energy will not rock hard.

I second the choice of NHT SB2, I think you can get a pair for $299 and are excellent clean speakers. The NHT SB3 is more highly praised in the audio press and you might be able to pick up a pair on the cheap. I would add that if you like very defined sound and don't dislike horns then you should add Klipsch Heresies version 1 pre 1980s (pretty big monitors) to your list. You can pick them up for less than $400 on agon or ebay and they never die.

I just received a new pair of Axiom M3ti and am breaking them in. $300 new, shipping included. I really like them. They are detailed with nice midrange and decent bottom to 60 Hz. They will not play to concert volumes, but no speaker in that price range can. I also love my Von Schweikert VR-1s and they can found used for $600. The VR-1s are definitely better and if you can find them, that would be my recommendation. But, the Axioms are a great sound for not much money, a real value. I run them with a classic Kenwood integrated amp for a bedroom system. I am using Atoms for surrounds in the home theater now since I tried them in the bedroom and didn't like them at all. Good luck!

The latest Hi-Fi+ issue has a double review of the new Castle Acoustics Richmond 3i; both are raves to the extent that both reviewers (Martin Colloms is one) will use it as their budget reference. In the UK they cost £320 and in the US less than $600.

I agree with your original assessment of the B&W. I also like the Epos speakers in that range. You can usually find some of their speakers that retail above $1000 for about half that used here.