Looking for an affordable speaker system...
 

...to go with my brand new receiver. I purchased the Onkyo SR-600 at a really good price ($404), so I'm willing to spend around $600 for speakers. Since that isn't much money to buy a super selection, I'm looking at package deals. I've been looking at Home Theater Direct Level II, Atlantic Technology T-70, Energy Take 5 +1, Energy Take 5.2 with XLS 8.2 Sub, and others. Any suggestions for middle-of-the-road speakers to go with the Onkyo? I'm pretty new to this, so I'm not sure what's what exactly.

I guess I'm the only person who answers your threads.

My personal choice would be the PSB Alpha Line:

http://yawaonline.com/packagespecial.html

For more info and a review:

http://www.psbspeakers.com/s/AlphaSeries.html

http://www.stereophile.com/showarchives.cgi?241

I would recommend listening to the speakers in a local store before you buy them.

Other speakers to consider:

Paradigm Atoms (4), CC-170 (1), and an inexpensive sub.

One of the Energy Take 5 systems.

I think Atlantic Technology T70 is around $1000 with a sub, and at that price point many other excellent options emerge.

I've never heard the Home Theater Direct Level II's, but I can't recommend buying a system you've never heard.

The HTD stuff has got some good deals. One plus they have is the material content can be higher because of the low overhead. This gives them an avantage to put more in at a given price.

That said I have not heard them so I would not know for sure. They have had good reviews and even a cover of one of the national mags (forget which one)

I would get the energy take 5.2 myself. I have listened to them and liked the sound.

since they are on your list listen to all of the speakers and get the one you like the best :)