Quote Originally Posted by DDeHaan View Post
I am in the same boat as Blackraven's son. I am looking to replace an ancient pair of EPI M100s that my Dad handed down to me. My budget is $300-$350 for a pair of book shelves, I was thinking about running a 2.1 set up though. I am young and I want this setup to be building blocks for a 5.1 system a little later on down the road. I plan on turning these book shelves into rears when I upgrade. So I want to make sure I don’t buy something that would have to be replaced when I want to up my system. I'm considering the Paradigm Atoms and the PSB B4s or B5s. Do you guys have any other suggestions in that price range or opinions about what I’m thinking? Should I drop the idea of adding a sub and just put the money into getting a better pair of bookshelves with a bigger woofer?
If you are planning to use these as rear speakers eventually then consider the PSB B4's, NHT Zero's or the Atoms. If you want something a little better for the time being then consider the options below.

I would opt for the PSB B5's. www.saturdayaudio.com has a pr of B stock for $299. (they may even have B stock on the B4's and Alpha B1's) There is also a pair of B&W 602 S3's on Ebay. If you are looking at Paradigm, then consider a pair of the Mini Monitors over the Atoms. They sound much better. Also consider a pair of PSB Alpha B1's which was a stereophile recommended Budget speaker of the year. You should be able to find them for $279pr but I would rather have the B5's.