I recently spent some time with a friend putting together a 2-channel/HT system with a $2,000 budget for speakers. We listened to a number of brands, including the Maggies (though we auditioned the step up, as the MMG's are mail order only), Paradigm, Klipsh, B&W, Meadowlark, Krix, and a few others I am missing, but the top two were an NHT setup - using two ST-4's, two SB-1's, and a SC-2 - and a Totem setup - using two Arro's with Dreamcather center and surrounds. My friend ended up getting the Totems, in part because his wife preferred the smaller, less obtrusive speakers. But either setup sounded incredibly good for the money. The NHT system was louder, could be pushed harder, and had better instrument separation. The Totem setup had better soundstage and detail, and of course there is the Wow! factor with the Arros that something that small can sound so big.
If you go Totem, I would recommend that you do the Arro/Dreamcatcher setup, as it is only a little bit more to step up to the Arro's up front, which is well worth it, IMHO.
If you go Totem, I would recommend that you do the Arro/Dreamcatcher setup, as it is only a little bit more to step up to the Arro's up front, which is well worth it, IMHO.