Retail price SONY SS = Huge Discount price POLK R

[Collectors Set]

So CC website is having a 10% online coupon special & I was all ready to pull the trigger on the Sony SSF7000 (fronts), SSF5000 (sides), SSCN5000 (center), SAW3000 (sub)

But then noticed that the POLK R50, wave 30 sides, CS1 & sub, which retails for nearly double the above Sony prices, can be had online for a huge discount & basically what I would be paying for the Sony pieces above at discounted retail prices.

2 questions:

1. Is this Polk line of speakers hands down better and a no brainer for the discounts and better quality/performer than the Sony set??

2. For my sides surround speakers, would I be better going with a smaller tower pair to compliment my front tower pair, for instance the SSF5000 & SSF7000 or do you guys like the smaller book shelf types for sides??