I spent some time with Jim Salk at his home listening room. He is a gracious host with a very realistic listening room - meaning odd room size and no room treatments. Listening in this environment I can say for the money his speakers are a great value. I was able to listen to the Archos open baffle, HT3, and Song Towers, as well as a prototype of a new model Salk will be introducing (or by now may have introduced). I could easily live with any of them. I'm sure there would be something in the Salk lineup in your price range you would be pleased with.