Considering the Rule of Diminishing Returns.......

I agree with Mdomnick that the Paradigm Reference Series would be a good choice for an HT system. I think they blow away DefTech and virtually everything else in their price range, but then I own a pair of 100v2s so my opinion is not really to be trusted. Do keep in mind if you choose Paradigms that they are power hungry and that they are at their best at medium to high levels. Not the ideal choice if you want Barely Manbelow purring in the background.

I have two systems in my house, a 2-channel system using JMLabs Mezzo Utopias ($15K) and an HT system using the Paradigms ($2K). It is my sometime fancy to bring first-time visitors into the house, blindfold them, and lead them from one room to the other, asking them to tell me which speaker system costs 7.5 times as much as the other. Virtually no one can tell--not even alleged Golden Ears.

Does that mean there's no difference? Assuredly not! Longer term listening reveals definite differences in favor of the JMLabs. It does, however, suggest that such differences are not nearly so great as we may enchant ourselves by believing.

will

check out newform research or VMPS for great speakers on lower budget than the aerials.
take all the time you need, there's no justification for feeling queasy writing a check when you can do some more research and ultimately feel better about your choice in relation to the money spent.
Paradigm is pretty good, with an entirely different sound than the Aerial, brighter sounding in general.

Like everyone else I would suggest Paradigm but also even on here there are some VMPS being sold for 3500 $..RM40..I would not miss that opportunity..great deal...if you can find a second-hand RM40 then don't miss it..

An optimal compromise that might save you a good amount of money are the relatively new Energy C-9 towers. They go down to the low 30s, which will serve you well for HT even if you don't have a sub, yet they are refined enough to compete with much more expensive speakers on the audio side in case that bug ever bites. At $1300/pr. they will be tough to beat given your situation and preferences. My guess is they offer a matching center channel, but I'm not sure. Best of luck.

Tim

Energy C-9 speakers are indeed an excellent value - good call Tim! BUT, if you really dig the Aerial sound, think about a pair of Aerial Model 5 speakers (will you be using/do you already have a sub?) with a Vandersteen 2W sub. Very close to the 95% performance/50% price parameters that you have set. Happy hunting!