Thanks all for the advice. This makes a lot of sense. Digging around a bit I decided to start with a pair of Klipsch RP-600M paired with a
SVS SB12-NSD sub. Total came out to $900, so still under budget. I figure if I ever get the home theater itch I can look to add a center and satellites piecemeal that match the system well.
Klipsch Home Theater Setup
I'm trying to spend around $1K on speakers that sound great for stereo audio as well as for home theater. Having listened to some speakers at my local Best Buy and looking at prices, one thought I had was to get a pair of Klipsch Reference 600M to serve as a front stereo pair, and then getting the Klipsch Reference Theater Pack ($500 on Amazon) to provide the center channel, small sub, and satellites. Any thoughts on how these might pair? By adjusting levels for home theater use, could I use this combination to put together a credible 5.1.2 system, and could the sub that comes work the reference theater pack give me good (enough) low end for listening to jazz/classic rock with the 600M pair?