I've got a pair of the less-expensive Bose bookshelf speakers--I can't 
remember how much exactly but well under $200. As far as sound quality 
and bass, they're better than the much large Kenwood floor speakers I 
have (now used as rear speakers). Got a 12-inch floor subwoofer, powered 
by my receiver, that was also inexpensive. Powered models cost much more 
and this one works quite well. I've had to go all around the picture 
window, stuffing thin strips of carpeting between the glass and metal 
frame because the subwoofer was making it vibrate terribly. I've still 
got problems with picture frames and a ceiling light fixture in the 
hallway that rattle a bit. My neighbors aren't all that close, 
fortunately, because the system puts out enough volume to hear clearly 
from the road when I go out to get the mail. Maybe I'll get a more 
expensive system some day but the more important issue is being far 
enough away from neighbors.
bil
bdwyer@grove.ufl.edu