I have the opportunity to test listen a few brands of speakers today with the intention of purchase speakers in the near future. Tested the Monitor Audio Bronze 2 which has won a What Hifi? magazine award in 2017, Bowers & Wilkins 685 S2 and Deli Zensor 3.
I found that the Monitor Audio Bronze is the best and the most price competitive for bookshelves class speakers. It is clear and the bass is well balanced, without subwoofers. Bowers & Wilkins is strong in its mid-range and clarity in the mid-range.
Interestingly, back in 1988 when I tested speakers before purchasing my American Acoustics speaker, the salesman was using Dire Straits songs. Fast forwarding 30 years to 2018, the salesman for Monitor Audio was also using Dire Straits songs. It appears that Straits songs are highly sought after as audio speakers testing.
I also tested listening the Bowers & Wilkins 683 S2 speakers. They were much better than 685 S2 speakers. However the price for 683 S2 is much higher.
My experience after all these years are that speakers are the most lasting equipment for a audio / hifi setup. They are still working after 30 years while the rest of the electronic equipment were replaced.