Best value minisystem for hardrock/metal?

Steuspeed is right. Get an efficent speaker that you can power with most anything. It won't sound good in absolute terms but it will get loud and sound better than the Audiovox mini system the guy down the street has. Speakers that are 96dB+ efficent should work well.

Good luck!

The guy isnt looking for speakers..he's looking for a mini-system.
I would go to 'best buy' or 'circuit city'and see what they have in your price range.
30 day return policy so you can audition a few systems until you find one you like.

Ok, I overlooked the "mini system" part of the request. I bet you would have a hard time beating this for $289 plus shipping costs.

$200 bucks for this (new/sealed)Athena ASP400 subwoofer on audiogon

http://www.hometheatersound.com/equipment/athena_audition_asp400.htm

$89 bucks for these Athena AS B1's on Audiogon

http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/athena_asb1.htm

good luck ;)

I've been impressed with JVC mini systems in the past.