Ok, this is significantly more mainstream but I can't help it, I just really enjoy the look of the Bowers & Wilkins. If you can afford the CM series, I think those look amazing, otherwise the 600 series also looks quite good.
If you have a nearby Best Buy/Magnolia, they have a very reasonable return policy which you could use to test them out in your house.
I do kinda agree with rojo thoug, since you're doing 2.1, bookshelves + sub could be a good option. Personally, I generally prefer that configuration, especially since I live in San Francisco where space is limited.