I like the Energy speakers as well (listened to a few before I got my current speakers but can't remember the model numbers). If you like the sound of Definitive Technology speakers you should be able to get the BP10Bs for around the price range you are looking at. I got the ones I use for surrounds for $660. They have enough performance in the bass department where you could hold off on a sub for a while. I used them for mains while I lived in an apartment (neighbors weren't very happy with me =D) and they handily outperformed my satellite/sub combo I was using before on both movie and music reproduction (I was using a Promonitor100/prosub100tl combo). If you go for a listen make sure they have the speakers set to "LARGE" otherwise they won't reproduce as much as they can. The best way to negotiate on the speakers is to find a store that isn't a chain like Ultimate Electronics. They are (usually) more willing to move on speaker prices. I know Ultimate Electronics usually runs a 10% add off of DefTech products so you could use that as a starting point for your negotiations.