I see your point on the M50. Could go with M50, VP100 and QS8 for ~ $1,700 (if I can get over the 'not hearing them' issue), leaves me with plenty for a decent sub and a receiver. Or would I be better off upgrading the center to the VP150 and staying with QS4?

Re: the Paradigm v3s, I too was unimpressed by them, I much prefer the v2s. I understand the v3s were 'voiced' more for HT (or so my dealer states) and I've read many reports of Paradigm fans preferring the old v2s to the new release.