ColonelKurtz
Are my methods unsound?
Unless you are putting your small bookshelf speakers on a bookshelf or table, i would not rule out a small tower. The footprint would be very similar to a bookshelf speaker on stands but you would have lower bass extension. I mentioned the KEF Ref Model One earlier because I have them and really think they are fantastic. If you like the British sound there are a number of other small towers that you might consider including the Spendor s5, Quad 21L and Quad 22L. These all have a footprint similar to a bookshelf speaker on stands.
If you are set on a bookshelf speaker, I would highly recommend the Gallo Acoustics Classico CL 1. They are sold out new but might be available on CL or eBay. I paid $229 for a new pair with cherry veneer last year for a system for my wife. They are very efficient with superb detail and imaging and a smooth high end. They produce more bass than expected from such a small speaker. I actually preferred them over the KEF LS50 and they can be driven with moderate power, unlike the KEF LS50, which need a lot of power to open up.
Thanks for the recommendation. I'll check out the Gallo Acoustics, as I'm pretty set on a bookshelf speaker... Great to know about the LS50's