Finally settling on Monitor Audio Bronze 1's (70 wpc rms, 55hz-28khz, 88db). At $175/pair, it rocks: impressive bass for its size and warm mids. Compared them to Axiom Audio M2i's (use them for surrounds in HT). The M2i's have a more detailed and crisper sound, with less bass. With a sub, M2i's are better, IMO. But they do cost more at $255/pair.