Which speakers should I get. $500-$1000

Speaking to the Sound Dynamics 300 ti's, the ti signifies the titanium dome tweeter. SD was a division of API, Audio Products International, which also produced Mirage, Energy, and Athena. Mirage also uses a cloth-damped titanium dome tweeter and has that same relaxed yet detailed treble.

I recommended the 300 ti to several audio newbies back when SD was still in production, and everybody who got them was ecstatic at their performance vs. the price. But that was back in 1996-98. Still a great speaker if you can find it, but if you can't the currently available Mirages will definitely do the job while having broader dispersion and lower box resonance owing to the curvilnear enclosures.

Try opening your mind to a bit of a different approach . Scour thrift stores and pawn shops . My second system is using a pair of cheap Kenwood speakers from the 80's to a very nice effect ! I occasionly see cheap particle board boxes that contain some rather decent drivers inside for very little money . Often these speakers can be had for $10 - $30 . Just make sure that they are intact . Also ask to hook them up to one of there receivers or what ever they have on hand just to make sure that they function correctly . There really is no substitute for big woofers . And two 6" drivers won't fill a space or punch you in the chest like one 10" driver .
These things usually are sold the same day that they hit the sales floor , so be dilligent .
Just a thought .

Happy Tunes .

^^^

I missed the part where the OP said he was looking for a science project.

Give these speakers a test and let me know what you think.

http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/products/speakers/SRM1/srm1.html

Cheers!