Advice on bookshelf speakers
I'm looking to set up a system strictly for music, using an Onkyo 8511, and a nad421 cd. I'm looking through a mind boggling assortment of bookshelf speakers. I mainly listen to hard rock, and metal. I have a budget of $400 for speakers any advice?
Listen to everything, not everyone, you can.
Tastes vary so much in this area that a hard recommendation is virtualy impossible. From what your tastes seem to dictate, perhaps you might want to consider a floorstander with solid bass. Just because it's not a bookshelf doesn't mean it can't sound good. The Athena Audition AS-F1 comes to mind in this area. Solid bass, clean mids and highs and images like anything.
Check out their site at http://www.athenaspeakers.com. Consumer reviews of these (and many, many other speakers) are available here and also at http://www.audioholics.com.
Ultimately, listen, listen and listen again. Good luck.