Thread starter, I make my recommendations on solid/verifiable measured data, based on my extensive knowledge of how it relates to human auditory perception. Much of the measured data I base stuff on is my own. So keep this in mind when I make recommendations.
I recommend for your specific application, the KRK ROKIT 5 powered studio monitors may be the best solution. They look very high class, have built in amplification and active crossovers and are $100 each. They measure excellent for the price - the best I know of for an all inclusive system. Use your PC as your multimedia center and use a surround audio card to send the signals to the speakers if you really need to cut corners. Later you can add a reciever with pre-outs to send to the ROKITs. Start off with just two of them and a solid budget sub like the Dayton 10" powered sub at
www.partsexpress.com and expand with more of the monitors later down the line. I have extensive measurements of the ROKIT 5 available if you want.
However, the ROKIT5s are intended for lower to moderate SPLs, albeit at high quality sound, relatively speaking. If you want higher output levels AND higher sound quality, I recommend the Behringer B2030P passive monitors and a good quality receiver. However, since you need amplification(receiver) to use these, it is a more expensive option compared to using your PC as the multimedia hub and using the ROKITs. I have available, complete measurements of the Behringers, if you need them.
-Chris
