Antman,
I am really surprised that you have received no response (or a very delayed one) from Totem Acoustic. Typically their service is quick and helpful. With that said, I have a *bit* if a bias towards the earlier recommendation of the Sttaf. I say that because well, it's been my speaker of choice for a number of years now. All Totems have this unique ability to be completely free of themselves, and can sound quite potent down low while doing so! With that said, in order to really experience with the Sttaf has to offer; you will need to put it in a smaller, closed off room. As much as I love the speaker - I'd say that option is out. The Hawk by contrast, when fed the right gear, is perfectly at home in larger rooms and in fact, prefers a space no smaller than at least 15x18. Again, take these comments with grains, if not pounds of salt, but when Totems are done right - they can do things that only the big heavy hitters can do. Unfortunately, a Denon AVR won't be able to give you even 30% of what they can do.
With that said, don't over-look the suggestions given by Richidoo. Careful attention to room treatment can be an effective way (both in cost and sound) to get those nasty peaks and valleys under control.
When it comes to affordable monitors that not only sound excellent, but sport very good dynamic range... you are right on track with the Sapphire XL. They will work out just fine on your existing electronics and should be able to fill your space well. They wont have the punch of your Paradigms, instead - you'll get a much smoother and warmer sound. I believe this is a topic you and I covered reasonably well a number of months ago.
I have no first hand experience with Aperion - although I hear they do create solid speakers for the money, albiet suited more for HT.
Other affordable options may be av123's new X-MTM towers in the Palisander rose-wood veneer. It's not quite cherry, but it is light and easy on the eyes, and most of all - its very, very affordable.
