If you are stuck with Best Buy, at least go to Magnolia and listen a little. Take one or two CDs with something you know WELL! and just have them switch between speakers and see what you like. Avoid Def Tech. But whatever you do, don't let them sell you anything... at least not today.
Go back home and read reviews of what you listened too, just to compare. and then read the reviews of speakers those reviewers mentioned in that review.
I researched over 80 speakers before buying mine!
Also, Check out the SVS Prime and Ultra lines. Well regarded, and they have an in-home 45 day trial period. Buy 5 or more and you get a discount (modest, but still.) And the Speakers are voice matched between lines, so with them, you can mix and match Prime and Ultra as needed for your scenario... And they make nice Subs.