Something I forgot to mention. At your budget I would get Vandersteen Speakers. These are very high quality audiophile speakers but are also very economical for their entry level system.
Audiophile speakers are great for HT. Don’t shortchange yourself please audition some Vandersteen speakers. They can be found at:
Bradford's High Fidelity
Vandersteen Premier Dealer
942 Olive St., Eugene, OR 97401, Phone: 541-344-8287
Store Hours: Monday - Friday 10 to 6pm
Saturday 10 to 5:30pm & Sunday 12 to 5pm
www.bradfordshifi.com
I guess this is probably about a 2 hour drive from you however you will probably have the opportunity to audition other equipment at this location. I would definitely call first to see what they have in stock.
Look them up in the forums these speakers are the real deal and they will be my next set of speakers and I currently own the Focal Electra series speakers and have worked in the business.