Efficient Bookshelfs on a budget?

I've heard one of those computer-speaker systems-with a sub included for 300 that is enough to get by on till the wallet regenerates itself.

How about Creativesound's ELFs? Link.

I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm mistaken that these single drivers are intended for use with low powered tube amps.

I looked at the ELF specs a little more and it looks like those drivers need 15 watts.

I agree with Royy.. If you don't have a receiver or integrated amp to power your bookshelf speakers, even a modest 3-piece powered sub/satellite system will run rings around a pair of bookshelfs powered by that tv's built-in amp. If you cannot swing the budget for the Aegos (my first choice, too) you could look at something like the larger Cambridge Soundworks self-powered sytems, also sold under the Creative brand at computer stores. Huge bang-for-the-buck and decent sound quality, more than you'll need for watching TV. You would just use the Panny's line-level audio out jacks to the powered sub/sat, bypassing the tv's built-in amp. Set the audio output to "variable" in the Panny's setup menu to control volume from the tv. Good luck! JZ

Newbie13, the W3-871s used in the ELF's has rated power of 15 watts and maximum power of 30 watts. I think this means they can handle 15 watts continuous and 30 watt peaks.
I ran them with the 22 watt Denon UD-M31 and they broke up but I don't know what wattage exactly. Although they aren't designed as a high-efficiency Lower type driver.
Ran them with a "20" watt AIWA XR-EC12 but this thing only put out 85dB with 88dB efficiency speakers. So I would say this is a 1 watt mini system and it ran them okay.
I think the absence of a crossover may help the power rating. Conversely it sure makes Thiels suck up a lot of power.
Rutledge Audio Design also makes RAD micros based on the same Tang-Band deriver.