Have you looked at Ascend Acoustics(ascendacoustics.com)? Read reviews at audioreview.com, cheaphometheater.com, in The $ensible Sound issue 92 and in issue 94's Annual Recommended Componets section, or at SoundStages ...
http://soundstage.com/revequip/...tics_cmb170.htm 170s all away around with a HSU-VTF2 sub is well under $1500.
The suggested list you already have is good too. I'd add Totem Dreamcatchers to it.
[This message has been edited by Q-man (edited February 28, 2003).]
[This message has been edited by Q-man (edited February 28, 2003).]
[This message has been edited by Q-man (edited March 02, 2003).]