I think with the OP's budget and H/T - WAF requirements...Paradigm or PSB would be a good choice. Assuming he is running a decent sub, the Paradigms can really sing without the burden of deep bass.

I would suggest some auditioning at a local shop. The last model i seriously listened to, of either brand, was the PSB Imagine floorstander with some NAD amplification. I would certainly describe it as rocking...