Congrats on such a nice system and good taste at 18... I think I had some no name 2 way 8 inch towers stacked on top of 10 inch 3-way Fisher floorstanders at the time...
1) Nope. You might consider a sub, though.
2) No. The maximum output is merely a figure that indicates that an amp
outputting (not rated) at that wattage won't destroy the things. JohnK will be along shortly to point out that you only use about 1 watt for normal listening.
3) I wouldn't use Bose crap as a benchmark for anything except crap, crap, and more crap. A good (well calibrated) sub will compliment main speakers, not overpower them. I hate to say it, and Amie may revoke my post count for it, but I'd look at Hsu or SVS over Axiom for the lower end sub range (sub $1000). Had I, oh, say, $1200-$2000, Axiom's the first place I would look. But from reading these boards, you can get bigger bang for the buck from Hsu or SVS at $500 or below.
Anyway, welcome to the board. I'm jealous.
