the internet has changed things a lot. I just went through this exercise and settled on some Dana speakers:
http://www.theaudioinsider.com/products_new.php?cPath=21_25
I have a pair of 630 up front along with a 660 center. I just ordered a pair of 930s (not shown...$1500/pair but I'm getting a demo for a big chunk off) and will move the 630s to the rear.
lots of cool stuff here:
http://www.theaudioinsider.com
http://www.av123.com
and the obligatory BBS
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=&f=89
fwiw in a recent get-to-gether where a bunch of guys listened to a bunch of speakers blind, the $349/pair Dana 630s beat out a pair of 800 series B&W ($2500+/pair).
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=881717&highlight=bookshelf+gtg