Headphones!!!

[JaBlue]

I only have the surround set up because I use it for movies too and having surround sound on movies is pretty sweet.

I don't want huge speakers because they're obtrusive and I don't need them to be super loud. My ears are already damaged at the tender age of 18 and I hear ringing a lot of times I shouldn't.
With that in mind, could you try answering

a) And what would you say is the optimal price range for speakers? That is, the price range where you are getting the most per dollar?

b) What is the minimum you would advise someone to spend who wants a great sound system that will last a while?