i just got a pair of the new Paradigm Mini Monitor v3 (version 3) for $350. and am quite happy with them. it's true that you should definitely listen to potential speakers before you buy.

i had thought that B&W was the speaker to get after hearing others talk about them but when i went to listen to them i did not like them as much as the cheaper Paradigms. it's a very personal thing, one persons gem is another's junk.