I have had a pair of Energy e:XL 26 Tower speakers the last 4 years. I just traded up to the Energy Connoisseur C-9's. The XL's were OK for what I paid (about $600 in '98). I found the mid range and bass to be somewhat lacking.
For the price of the XL's I think you would do better to look at Paradigm-either the Performance or Monitor line. The new version 3 Monitors are starting to hit store shelves so you may be able to find some aggressive deals on ver. 2.
It may be difficult finding dealers who carry Paradigm and Energy side by side. They seem to compete head to head in terms of price and performance. Most dealers probably feel it's unnecessary to carry both lines.