Price? Physical size? Brands you've heard and liked?
SVS has a mean package for a good price, or you could spend a bit more and go for Ascend... Or if you want a brand you can find in a local store, I recommend Paradigm.
This is for a friend. He has $1,000 to spend on speakers. I recommened Paradigm to him. I'll look at the other recommendations you gave as well and see what he thinks.