I recently compared the PSB Stratus Silver i's vs. the Monitor Audio Gold Reference series from a Home Stereo perspective (I am 75% music, 25% HT).

Personally, I thought the MA Gold's were a bit "midrangey" in sound, lacking a bit of bass depth and resolution compared to the PSB's.

In the end, I went PSB and spent $1100 for the Stratus Silvers, and $600 for a sub. I found that I could buy the C5i center channel for $300 as well. So comparing price points for Mains + Center, I am at $1400...within your limit for the same. I simply needed the sub a bit more than the center at this stage of the game...

What I can say is that the PSB's are extremely smooth sounding speakers with excellent bass response and depth. the only drawback is that they are almost "too" clean to listen to HT with. I was really hammering on sound volumes (Das Boot, director cut, depth charge scenes) and the speakers just weren't even trying. The was exceptionally clean, clear, and without any anomolies. Kinda strange in a way for every voice, every creak of the boat, to be rendered so absolutely...

I would highly recommend comparing the MA's to Wharfedale's lineup. They look great and are very reasonable in price. The EVO30's mains would go for around $800, the center channel at around $350 or so. Quite excellent sound especially in midrange & treble definition.