Bravo! I'm glad to hear you will audition several speakers before buying them! That is the absolute correct way to go about it. While you're auditioning them, please make sure you add my favorite $1000/pair towers, the Monitor Audio Silver Series RS6's to your list. The sound detail and build quality far exceed the price point.
Here's some reviews and info on these well made speakers:
http://www.stereophile.com/floorloud...rs/306monitor/
http://www.hometheatermag.com/floorl...s/1205monitor/
http://www.monitoraudiousa.com/produ...oduct=4&area=5
Personally, I think they're some of the best tower speakers you can get for $1,000 a pair or less today. They certain sound like they could be triple that price. It's a shame more people haven't given them a try.