[Grayson73]

1 Ascend Acoustics CMT-340SE pair ($450)
1 Ascend Acoustics CMT-340SE center ($225)

Purchased new in May 2006. I've found that these are the best speakers in this price range.

I'm in MD (Maryland) and prefer to sell locally to save you shipping.  Come and have a listen if local.

Mains sell for $568+26 shipping:
http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/products/speakers/cmt340m/cmt340m.html

Center sells for $298+20 shipping:
http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/products/speakers/cmt340c/cmt340c.html

Sells new as a package for $884 new.

Many rave reviews all over the web. Here is a thread: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=629769