Brendel:
I forgot to mention another speaker that should be easy to audition (chain stores and small shop often carry the line).
Try to listen to the Polk RT25i speakers.
They are suitable for rooms on the smaller side and sound very nice in such. Every now and then, in my area anyway, they go on sale @ the chain stores. I prefer the 25's to their larger, budget models, but as mentioned they do not work well in larger rooms. I sometimes use a pair of their little RT15's @ the computer.
B&W? By all means listen to as many speakers as possible (they all sound different). B&W is a popular brand that you will either love or hate (distinctive house sound in their budget range).
Another intersting speaker system (good for classical) is the NHT Super Zero's (tiny little speakers) paired with their 250 watt active sub. Not certain of the current retail/discount prices on these, but have a friend who uses them in his office for classical music and the combo sounds quite nice (difficult to pinpoint where the music is coming from, just a room full of sound).