I got the SoundSticks, and no matter how often you repeat, the Monsoons are better, I'm not gonna change my opinion about these nice little speakers: I love 'em! And I have some experience with speakers. They DON'T sound bad, they're very clear and give a great surround sound experience. And yesterday I watched a DVD with it (The Ninth Gate), the distance between me and the speakers was three meters (about 10 feet), the sound was loud and clear enough. And in the DVD controller, the volume was at three points of ten possible. But I have to admit that The Ninth Gate isn't really a loud, bombastic film, it's more dark, dangerous and mysterious. I will try out Gladiator soon, which has enough power to test my SoundSticks.
They're no bad buy at all, but you have to decide yourself.
Greets, olli_g