I second the Denon / Paradigm combo for that budget, but your ears know what you like better than mine - the world is full of people who think Bose sounds great. The room issue is tricky. You really never know exactly how the speakers will sound until you get them home. I have found the best thing for me is to find a showroom that carries several brands you are looking for. Bring a CD you know very well and listen to those different speakers in the same room with that CD. You still won't know what they sound like in your house, but you can at least find what you like better there. Your room will color whatever speakers you buy the same way, so start with the best sound for you at the store.

There are some things you can do at home to help the sound a little if you don't like what you hear when you get them there. If they are too bass heavy, move them out from the wall. Too little bass, move them more into the corners. If they sound too muddy, aim them right at your listening position or move them closer -if possible- to minimize reflections. Put heavy drapes on sliding glass doors and big windows. Put furniture on long parallel walls to diffuse the unwanted reflections. None of these is a definite fix, but they can help.

Use your ears and don't be to scared of the room issue. Your room will do whatever it will to the sound no matter what you buy, but crappy gear can only sound crappy no matter where it is.