Floor Standers Vs. Book Shelf Speakers


Hello, I'm new to the audiophile world. Anyways, I've spent the better part of the last couple of weeks researching different models of speakers on the net before I audition them.
I've seen many rave reviews on very tiny book shelf speakers, and I'm curious as to how such a diminutive speaker can stack up musically against an imposing floor stander? It just seems like a floor stander would give you more base extension, bigger soundstage. So, do book shelf speakers superior to floor standers in any way?

Also, what do you guys prefer and why? Thanks so much for all your great help
bobrouse
Sorry for leaving out that information. I'm going to be driving the speakers with a Roksan Kandy integrated and a Sony CA9ES CD player. I'd like the speakers to cost <1,000 and I will also consider buying used, thanks!!
Jamma, my room is the same size as yours, and I'm also using an integrated amp. A Sim Audio Moon I-5 to be specific. I've never tried floorstanders in my room, only Sonus Faber Concertinos and ProAc Tablette 50 Signatures. At 70WPC, the I-5 powers either of these speakers with ease, and I'm sure you'd have equally good results with the Roksan. I run the little fellars full-range and use an NHT SW3P subwoofer to fill out the bottom end. I've worked hard to get my little system to where it is, and I'm really enjoying it now. I feel no need to upgrade to floor-standers. What kind of music do you listen to?
Ooops, sorry. I didn't see your previous post "I tend to listen to music that has a fast tempo like Blues, soul, rock etc..." Good luck.
One thing I've always thought was a myth is that there is a substantial size benefit to "bookshelf" speakers. If you put them on stands, they take up just as much usable room as most reasonably sized floorstanders. (Obviously, if you actually put them on a bookshelf, there are significant space savings.) Perhaps monitors on stands take up less visual space, though.
Gunbei, actually my musical tastes are much more broad than that. I'll from time to time listen to Dave Brubeck, Enya, Johnny Cash etc...I'm really all over the map when it comes to my taste. I guess the perfect word to describe my listening preferences is eclectic!

You mentioned Sonus Fabers and Proacs. These are both speakers that I've heard a great deal about! If you wouldn't mind, could you please list what there strong points are? Also, would pairing either of those models with a good sub bring them up to the level of outstanding floor standers? Thanks a lot!