I guess you missed out on the 'separates vs HTIB' thread NyGuy and Lex. A 6.1, not 7.1...
3 pairs of Polk R150 bookshelves in black, total $150 Fry's online only ($540 in store, I know, I was at Fry's Saturday with friend I was helping).
Hsu VTF-1 $400
Total = $550. No comparison with any HTIB.
Or, if you REALLY have to have 7.1, buy 4 pairs and keep the extra speaker (you never know when you might blow a tweeter or something, eh). Total now at $600.