home theater speakers newbie question

You can, but you probably shouldn't, especially if you are a newbie. It is critically important that the front and center speakers match very closely. You can be a bit more forgiving with the surrounds.

$1000 for what, an entire 5.1 speaker package? In that case, you should definitely audition Paradigm. They do low-cost speakers about as well as anybody.

You can but, it is not a good choice. Try and keep all of the speakers in you system from the same manufacturer.

Good luck.

If you are willing to go used, my recommendation for used would be a full complement of NHT Super=zeros all around. With subs, these are very fine little speakers and should cost you about $400 not counting a sub. For a little more you could have Super ones up front (left right center) and use the zeros for surrounds.