In that price range, my first choice would be the Maggie 1.6. This is a very musical loudspeaker. I have a friend who drives her baby Maggies with a small Arcam integrated, and the synergy is quite good. I am not familiar with the Avr 100 receiver, but if it is in the 100 watt per channel range (as I'm guessing) then it should work well with the Maggies. Maximum volume will be limted as compared to a dynamic speaker, of course. But economic considerations preclude box speakers in that price range from sounding truly boxless, and it's those little boxy artifacts that remind you you're not listening to live music. The Maggie 1.6's aren't perfect, but sound less like loudspeakers than their competition.
Help with speakers in 1500- 2000 range
Am just getting started on a system and am not going with seperates. Have decided to buy Arcam Avr 100 receiver and would like input on speakers, that would go well with it. Have read threads where people say " these speakers really like tubes," so want some that the arcam can bring out good sound in. Have heard b&w 805's as well as cdm1nt and cdm7nt, and medowlark sheerwaters. Thought the 805's sounded good with the arcam. The sheerwaters sounded good as well but they are more expensive and they were being driven by seperates. Thanks for any input.