Would like to here what other have to say in the speaker dept. Am going to look into the Ascend Acoustics per lsiberian's recommendation. I was going to pull the trigger on a complete EMP E5TI tower system but if I can get some better performing speakers for the same price why not!
I would have had a much harder time deciding between the EMP, Ascend, and Emotiva, but I have to have towers because of young children, wife felt safer with floor-standers then bookshelves on stands.
Emotiva is having a killer sale right now, I'd suggest you add them to your short list. A set up of the ERM 6.2 LCR with ERD-1 surrounds would be very close in price to the EMP set.
Oh, and I highly second KASR's recommendation...don't buy anything on an impulse unless you'd be stupid not to, and try to find the time between now and the end of Nov. to do some research in case you do want the EMP's, the sale ends Nov. 30 I believe.