A Good bookshelf is better than an average floorstander. The only thing you'd miss is the additional bass.
That being said, I think I've just found a great deal you should consider.
http://www.amazon.com/2-Way-Speaker-System-Theater-Apple/dp/B00409OZTY/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
Only 550 usd damn, I remember when these were 1400.
This is the lower model of the pre klipsch era d830 bookshelves, the d430. It uses high quality vifa dual ring radiator tweeter and a wood fibre cone. The tweeter can go up to 40,000hz (most others do 20000) which most are not aware of. 4ohm with phase plugs.
Should give you quite neutral and nice sound, not to mention they're a unique danish design which one does not see very often. This was made in Denmark like my d830s, the present generation is made in china like almost all other speakers today. Don't expect a lot of bass though, if you're a basshead then bookshelves wont do, or you'll have to include a subwoofer.
The concert 803 on the other hand probably wont have as good high range extension but the 803's low freq extension and excursion is as good as a floorstander. You wont believe the sounds coming from a bookshelf speaker
http://www.amazon.com/Jamo-C803-Stereo-Surround-Speakers/dp/B0010HFLHY/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1354390931&sr=8-5&keywords=jamo+concert
Aha I had forgotten about those,
I also forgot to mention ProAC EPOS and ATC but im not familiar with speakers and what price brackets their speakers are. So maybe someone else can fill in.
Hmm I think this is derailing this thread. Maybe destroysall should make a thread and we can all suggest