3 identical fronts or dedicated CC?

I've been looking at replacing my aging Vandersteen 2Cs. I'm stuck with a plasma screen over a fireplace and currently have a Vienna Waltz Grand on the mantle as a CC.
I've been considering getting 3 identical speakers, putting the CC in front of the rarely used fireplace, considering standmounts. I'm getting some resistance from my wife.
My budget is up to about $2500/speaker.
I've been considering Selah Tempesta or Tempesta Extreme, several Salk models, Vapor Cirrus.
Ran across a great deal on the TAD inspired Pioneer EX series. I can get the S-2EX for about $5k/pr including the stands, MSRP is $8500. They won't sell me a single S-2EX for the center, but they do have the S-7EX which I can get for about $3k including the stand. It would be about 21-22" high on the stand. I know it's better to have 3 of the sam, but given the concentric tweeter/mid on these speakers, the vertical dispersion should be excellent and I wonder if it would sound just as good, if not better since the CC has 2 woofers while the S2s have one. I think it will also look less imposing that way.

Opinions?

No, I'd rather try something different.

She's a trooper for putting up with my Vandys for 25 years, so I'm trying to cut her a break. The Philharmonics didn't make the cut either, although I think they're the best value out there right now.

She actually prefers a monotone, dark speaker like the Pioneer over exotic woods, go figure. I guess if she wants fine furniture, she'll just get some. I have to see if she would be ok with the Pioneer CC on a short stand, I think I have a better chance with that than another 4 foot tall speaker.
I have an amp that puts out 225 into 8 ohms all 5 channels driven, 300 into 4.
My Vandys are similar in sensitivity, power has never been a problem, I don't listen at reference levels.

Under budget is ok. Most of what I've been considering have been well under $2k each. Have never been a big fan of horns, but it's been awhile since I've tried. I can't see putting that Klipsch in the center though.
For a big city, there's not much to listen to here, may have to take a road trip to Dallas.
Except for that deal on the Pioneers, I've been mostly looking at internet direct companies.
I'd like to hear the Evolution Acoustics MMMiniOne, they should have them any day now, there's a dealer up in Dallas. At $2500/pr including stands, they're under budget too.

Yes, the Pioneers list for $7k/pr, $8500 with the stands, but I can get them for $5k+ shipping including the stands. I don't know why I have such a hard on for them, I guess the cheapskate in me likes the idea of getting 40% off, it would make it fairly easy to sell them for very little loss if I didn't like them.
I think my best move may be 3 identical stand-mounted speakers, I think the center one will be less imposing than a tower. A slim tower like the SCST may work though.
Perhaps 3 Salk Soundscape M7s or Selah Tempestas.
The Tempesta Extreme is also tempting, but I think it may not look right and won't be as stable as I'd like with the two cabinets just sitting on top of one another.
The Soundfields have been getting alot of rave reviews, not sure if the extra power cords will scare off my SO.
I like the idea of the Accuton midrange instead of a 2 or 2.5 way with the woofer doing double duty for midrange.
I may drop Jim Salk a line to see if he could build something better that would fit in the space above the mantle, just to see what my options are.
Dennis Murphy has indicated some willingness to do a smaller, less deep version of the Phils once he finsishes with the run of 2s he has. Perhaps he and Del could custom design something.
I'll post some pics when I get home, but they can be seen here:http://forums.audioholics.com/forums...icated-cc.html

Thanks for all of your opinions, it helps being able to run my ideas through others, my wife couldn't be less interested in hearing my drivel.

Awesome, glad to hear from someone who's actually done this!
Did you ever use your fireplace? Did you have to move the center speaker when you did?

I don't get it either. Apparently it's really hard to sell a home here without a fireplace, but it's hotter than hades most of the year. I think we turned ours on twice this winter. It doesn't really put out enough heat that you can even feel it 12' away. I've given up trying to figure out women.

Thanks, that center just disappears doesn't it? My plan is when my 6 yr old plasma eventually dies, I could get a bigger screen and move it down a little if I don't need a CC on the mantle, the way you have it set up.