strassman, I too took the budget route and am overwhelmed with the music it produces. I have never heard Snell's, but I love my Altec 604 studio monitors. They too are pretty big, weighing in at nearly 150# each in 9 cu. ft. cabinets. I think alot of the weight has to do with them having a 40# Alnico magnet for each speaker and they are super efficient at 100db/watt/4ft. Most folks here comment on these speakers as being colored and not accurate, but they bring a big smile to my face every night while listening. What more could I want?
Enjoy what you are blessed to have. I wish we lived closer so I could come over and give your system a listen and vice versa. I still have a couple of things I will hopefully change in my system, but at this point I can wait and be content. I am amazed at what level of music I can get for a little over $1200. I won't claim it the best $1200 system on earth, but it would be one lucky guy that has a better sounding one.
Peace,
Steve
