I just got a set of the Carnegie CST 1's for 1100 shipped. I'm currently running them in a 2.0 system. They certainly have enough bass for me. Not sure how you can beat them for the price. They are being sold for 1000 because not enough damping material was added to the speaker. I haven't even added fill yet and I am thoroughly enjoying the speakers.
For your budget, certainly the speakers listed above are also worthy competitors. I would also add Ohm to the list, they dig rather deep for 2,000 dollar towers, and they offer a 120 day return policy although return shipping would be on you. They would have been my 2000 dollar pick until I saw the Carnegie deal.