Thanks for the input guys!
filecat 13- If it was me I would go the used route, but it's a gift and he wants something in a box, new. I think his son likes all kinds of music, but not so much Hip-Hop.
cackalacky- Yes you are absolutely right, there is a lot more selection for good qualtiy bookshelf speakers in that price range.I have looked at those DYI kits from PE. The deal killer has always been the price of the cabinets& shipping.
J.M.- Great suggestion. As it happens Polk isclosing out it's "Monitor" series for the new"TSi"series. The differences are minor I've read, with the "Moniitor" series being the preferred series due to a front firing port vs. a down firing port. Here a sale I found with free shipping!:
Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, LED LCD TV, Digital Cameras and more!
Blackraven- Also some good suggestions. I'm a Wharfedale fan, I own the bookshelf version of the EVO2 20's (EVO 10's) and really like them. I'll pass your link along too. Haven't heard the Diamond 10's but all the reviews I've read have been quite favorable.