maggies / martin logans : take those off your list. the Sony wont drive them properly. It can't handle a 4 ohm load, so keep that in mind.
in your price range, and given your desire to go surround in the future, i'd also check out some paradigms. they sound great, and are reasonably priced.
Me, id go straight to a pair of Von Schweikert VR1 monitors. they go down to 40hz, image like nobodies business, and are just awesome all around. I'm sure you can find a used pair in your budget, and still be able to sell them for what you paid for them..even in a year or two, should you desire a change.
audiogon.com