I don't deny what the others are saying here but what it ultimately boils down to is you can forget the names of the speakers, forget the price tags (for the moment), just close your eyes and listen. Every one hears differently, and from speaker to speaker some could hear garbage, and some can hear the gods them selves singing down to them. Every company has its own flavor and it is up to you, what ever makes your heart race, what ever perks your ears, what ever gives you that stupid little grin, that tells you, and only you, that you have picked the right speakers... Your flavor.
I my self turned down the opportunity to obtain $1400 (each) speakers for $400 (each), over the ones that tickled me the right way, that ended up being considerably less. both were Klipsch.
But from one noob to another, you are doing the right thing, taking your time to listen and thoroughly research, what will ultimately be a something that you will truly enjoy.
Good luck with your decisions.
jon-