bookshelf for classical music under $2000

Totem Acoustic speakers can be positively magical with classical music in particular--HUGE soundstage and great transparency without being at all harsh or "analytical".

I agree with Bondmanp, the Reference 3A de Capos will give you bass for a smaller monitor nice midrange and highs

Disagree on the Totems. Would look at Ascend Acoustics, Opera, and Rega.

Rich

Vapor Audio Breeze speakers are stellar performers!!!

The Dynaudio Excite X12 or X16 should work well and are in your budget. This Stereophile review of the X12 indicates that even the X12 has room-filling projection, unusually good bass for such a small speaker (true usable bass to at least 40 Hz), and the review makes particular mention that it stays clear and articulate on large scale classical orchestral/choral pieces. The reviewer loved its midrange and listened to a lot of female vocalists as well.

The Focus 160 (their next line up on the quality scale) is reputed to be significantly better but I think it's more like $3K.