I would like to also say that I am quite a bit over budget. I started out with about the same price range as you and I left that quite some time ago. I figured I was better off getting a really good set of mains and adding the other speakers later. I am presently in the $1500 range just for the main speakers but I figured I will not be going through this purchase again so I might as well get something really good. I'm not into upgradeitis or rather I prefer to upgrade BEFORE I make my purchase. Just something to think about.