Paradigm Esprit/Atoms?

Hi guys, im looking at purchasing my first HT set within the next couple of days, but im on a fairly tight budget. ($2500 NZ)

Ive already decided on the yamaha rxv650 receiver but am struggling a little on the speakers, (doesnt everyone? :P)

Anyway, does anyone here have any experience of the paradigm esprit and atom speakers? My local dealer will give me a decent deal on these if i want. The problem is that i doubt i will be able to affford the whole speaker set. I probably will forget the sub if i can get decent fronts (is this wise?). Would the atoms sound ok as a rear to the esprit? And do they have enough low range clout to do without a sub? Is a centre (cc170 probably) a MUST have?

cheers
pearly