How many speakers are you looking to buy, you can start with two good ones and then keep adding as funds become available? What is your room size. I just wrote about Axioms in the thread titled 'Help a gurl out again please' in the same forum. The M60s I have go as low as 37Hz. Sound is realy cleans and crisp. These sell for $970 a pair but you dont need a seperate sub unless you are really big on bass. Are you planning on using the speakers mainly for music or movies. For music, the axioms would be more than sufficient. There are other option in this price range but size of the room etc. will matter. If you living room is 'largish' bookshelf may not be a good option.
