Paradigm or Energy?????

Try the new Paradigm Swifts (not the Meadowlark) they are $800/pair. Less bright and smoother than Energy's, especially on the Sony receiver. Pretty nice, although not the last word in resolution and tight sound.

thank you all---this was alot of help...i just recently started looking in to used gear and found this wonderful site.. i think i'll take your advice and buy used.
for those wondering..i want to use them for mostly music (rock) with some use in HT.--i am (will be) powering them with a sony str-de845 receiver.

thanx again,
gfm

If you must keep that receiver(believe me, it's not going to be anything special sounding on it's own), you would have INFINITELY better sound if you just bought something like a nice used pair of Energy C2 monitors(class C stereophile) for $200 used, bought a better dedicated amp to drive from your receiver(escentially doing a pre/pro and amp combo), RAN THE SPEAKERS AS SMALL from your receiver/pre-pro, and used a powered sub to do the bass!!!! You would spend about the same $850 for the amp and speakers,but you'd have way better sound!
The receiver thing just isn't going to do ANY speaker justice on it's own for you...really! Also, you're going to HAVE TO HAVE A SUB anyway, so might as well take advantage of it! That's my thinking anyway.
I know VERY VERY WELL from first hand experience, all the speakers you are considering above, and I understand the roll your receiver would play with them. Really, things should be much better for you!
I used to run a pair of modest($600 new) Energy C2's ($200 used) as a budget system monitor, and ran em with a pre/pro and Acurus 125X5 amp($600 used). I crossed the speakers over as "small", placed em well for great sound, and dialed in a quick 8" 100 watt sub in a smaller room. The sound was SO GOOD you'd be amazed for the $$$!!! For rock, HT, heavy dynamic, all the way to classical and vocals, the sound was just WAY GOOD OVERALL! Yes, I've put together better systems, but for lot's more money. And, in certain area's, the c2 sytem was as good as my ref rigs over the years!
I just know the sound you're going to get if you go with something like some Paradigm speakers, or whatever, and drive em with a rather unimpressive receiver!..it's not going to be anything to write home about really. I think you'll immediately long for better, and ultimately be dissatisfied.
These are just inputs of course, and it's all fun and good!
have fun...