Bookshelf speaker and sub recommendations.

Your understanding is correct, as far as the way speakers and a sub work together. The other added benefit of a sub is being able to place the speakers in the best location for imaging and placing the sub in the best location for smooth bass response (it is exceedingly rare that best imaging and best bass response are found in the same location in a room).

Now, as for recommendations--you will get plenty. It is good that you've indicated a budget (though you should specify a budget for a sub--the subwoofer forum is the best place in here to explore that option further).

One more thing--you don't need to get a sub from the same manufacturer as the speakers. That increases your options quite a bit.

Lastly, keep in mind that most recommendations will come in the form of an endorsement of people's own speakers. That's only natural, but it does reflect personal tastes. Ultimately, you need to let your ears (and wallet) decide. When I last went speaker shopping for myself, I auditioned 40 different sets from 15 brands. It can take a while

I'm fond of Boston Acoustics (I have a set) and, in your price range, I would audition the VRB bookshelf speakers (assuming they still make them--I haven't shopped for speakers for a few years now). I could list a number of other options (Paradigm, PSB and Energy, among them) but I will let others who actually own them offer their suggestions. For a sub, I'd look at SVS, Outlaw Audio, HSU--but again, the sub forum will give you many options.

Good luck.

P.S. Try searching the forum too--there are many threads on bookshelf speakers.

You should definitely consider SVS. They have a high performance 10 inch sub that comes under your price range. HSU may also have something in that price range (they're a forum sponsor--their link tab should appear in your upper right), I don't recall.

There are a number of other bookshelf speakers in your price range worth checking out, but it has been a while since I have listened to any of them so I won't make any recommendations. I will note, however, that the Usher speaker review posted on this forum recently seemed very interesting, though I think they are $600 a pair. The best thing you can do is search this forum for brand names and then go and listen to as many of them as you can find.

I'd second the recommendation of HSU, SVS, or Outlaw Audio for a sub and the recommendation that you take a look at the sub forum.

Yes. It's just harder to set up and, generally, takes up more floor space.

I was thinking the ushers were more like $400 for a pair. I haven't heard them but I'd like to. If you are going to buy online there are so many choices to choose from but I'd like to second the SVS suggestion...they also have a special stereo pair of mains SCS-01(M) for $325 I think. I've got the SCS-01 center channel and love the clarity. Again it's all in want your tastes, you can take suggestions for what they are worth. There are 100's of people that post on this forum and everyone's opinion will differ.

Because you aren't too concerned about bass in the bookshelves...I agree getting floorstanders are a bit of a waste of money. I have the PSB Alpha T floorstanders along with a SVS PB10-NSD sub...got what I felt like was a good deal on the floorstanders and I wanted it as much for looks as for performance. They sound great by themselves but I felt they lacked the sort of bass I kind of expected.

Take a look at the Usher S-520. They are $400 retail and sound amazing and look great. There are plenty of reviews if you look around. This blog entry is classic (short and sweet). http://blog.stereophile.com/china2006/120206usher/

They are definitely worth an audition.

I love the concept of bookshelf and sub combo. I have Athena's .5 for my mains and a older svs-pb10 sub. If you want more detail on the high end and midrange I have been auditioning speakers and I am going to upgrade to B&W 600 series. I just don't know if I want to get the current series 3 on closeout or wait for the 680's because I like the smaller size of the 685 compared to the 601 and 602. and the finish options. The choices under $500 would be the 600 or 601 I love both of these speakers. I would at least give them a audition.