Sounds like it would be a personal preference, SE or NT; I bought a pair of CDM1 SE, a CC6 S2 (center speaker) and a Mirage PS-10 sub at an estate sale all for $130. I recently replaced the driver on the sub with a Kevlar sub driver because the voice coil broke.
In my earlier days I owned a pair of B & W V201's (sold)
I had tried a pair of Bose 301 series 3 bought at a Goodwill for $20 before the SE's and honestly can say that the B & W's are the best I've had! Mainly I use them in my surround system for movies. They sound awesome to me; crisp highs and midrange along with a strong bass. I could use them without the Sub but I wouldn't get the feel the sub provides.
I sold the Bose!
I still have a pair of hlx 3-ways (made in Groton Connecticut) I bought used in the 70's that still kick!
Too bad you can't try both and see what you like.
