My system (Bottlehead Foreplay pre and Decware Zen Select amp) needs a pair of speakers. Seems like Pi speakers are pretty well regarded, but its awfully confusing to pick which speaker will fit my need best for Pi's long, long list.

My room is unusual in that it has two different ceiling heights. The room is 14' wide and 17' deep. The *back* 8' of the room has a ceiling height of 8' at which point the ceiling shoots straight up (no slope) to 18'. My speakers will be positioned in the front area with the high ceiling facing the area with the low ceiling where my sofa/chairs are. Hardwood floors, one completely glass wall on the side, etc.

I'm trying to keep a reasonable budget (

As for your room and its hardwood floor, please read the post called "Solution for raised wood floors and crawlspaces"