Infinity Reference Speakers: R10 Subwoofer $175, R162 Bookshelf Speakers Expired

Different/higher level speaker, and easier to listen to for long periods. That being said, you need to audition to know what sound you prefer.

Actually the older klipsch horns had some excellent speakers. Not my cup of tea, but there's a reason they can sell crap speakers for some much nowadays. Bose too has that going for them. Reputation was solid. This is a higher end speaker than either of those Klipsch's IMO (explained below). It's smoother, but might not get as loud at the same levels, and needs a sub to shine IMO. For your situation, I think you got the right speakers. There's a ton of amps that will work fine. I switched from a full sized ATI unit (125 watts) to a 20 watt orb audio unit. It's tiny, it runs much cooler, and it's plenty for nearfield. My 12" sub carries all the lows, but is also overkill.

You would be right only in that there is no budget line now, but these are supposed to be the higher end line (Reference), and are an all around better speaker series. Since Infinity was gobbled up by the Harman Group, Infinity has been kind of 2nd fiddle when Infinity arguably had the best lineage of their whole line up. I had the P152's, and liked them. Best budget speaker still IMO, but these are better. Both need subs to really shine IMO. I was wishing Frys would carry these for some great deals, but I expect them to continue selling these direct, etc. The reason these may stick around is that after designing, and testing a product, the actual production, and parts of a speaker isn't that expensive. Check DIY forums, and you'll see a list of $100 parts for high end speakers. That's why you continue to see discontinued speakers like the Kef Q100's on sale. They keep running out, and when people stop buying they lower prices, because there's less than $100 in parts, and they are still getting $250+ for them.

Yes, and you could save $30 and go with the smaller R152's if you have a small room, and are running a sub. Both can use the sub, but go bigger if you aren't getting one.

Yes save $30, or go even cheaper IMO.

Yes don't need much for surrounds. Go smaller, or get even cheaper speakers, and put the balance towards a better subwoofer.

QUICK NOOB ADVICE FOR BUILDING AN HT SYSTEM.

BUDGET: 1k or much less

SUBWOOFER around 50% because the subwoofer makes the experience. Some can't have loud/low woofers so they can go with a cheaper unit.
SPEAKERS 25-35%+ depending on use. If music is more important, then invest heavier here. Otherwise the subwoofer is what counts. Mainly focus on the front 2 speakers, and a matching center. After that you can get away with cheaper rears.
RECEIVER: remaining budget (along with cables). People buy $500+ receivers with $500 speakers, and $200 sub. That sucks next to a $150 receiver with cheaper speakers, and a good sub, or 2. So get what you need, and spend more here if you have to have certain features, but don't trip up. This always 3rd on the list because it doesn't affect things as much as the speakers, and especially the subwoofer.
CABLES: Monoprice. Any 12-16 Gauge will work great for speakers in any budget minded application. 12 isn't much more, and you don't need much usually. Surrounds can easily get away with 16 gauge. Don't get caught up by marketing. You can not discern the difference between a $2 cable, and a $100+ one. It will look nicer, but that's it.

Example of decent budget build using SD:
SVS PB1000 $4-$500 depending on sale
Pioneer BS22 pair $75ish at frys x2
Pioneer C22 $75ish at frys
Whatever receiver is on sale for around $150. I'm partial to Yamaha, and Denon, but it's fun to research. Remember, the speakers can make a huge difference in sound, the receiver, at this level, is minor at most.

If you get everything on sale it's like $750ish. You can do better buying used of course, but that takes research, and maybe more time than waiting for deals on new gear.

With these speakers, I'd consider a pair of these, the matching center, and a pair of pioneers BS22 for rears. Then a sub from SVS, HSU, Rythmik, Outlaw, etc... That frys 15" Klipsch is great if it ever comes back for $400, and you have the space. Then I'd grab whichever receiver goes on sale because it's least important pieces. Measure out your room, add a few feet to each run, and order enough to cover your room. Most connections, are HDMI nowadays, and you should have plenty, but if you need RCA's, optical, etc., there's plenty of cheap ones that will work.

Lastly, or the 1st thing to do is audition speakers if you can. It's not about the deal. It's about getting speakers you like. I don't like Klispch, but you might love them. I only know this from listening to them.