Well, these two responses certainly run the gamut.
Let me know where I can get the parts for "DIY Altecs with double 15" drivers" for the OP's budget of "$250/300", 'cause I'll take a set.
The EPI100 is a nice, basic loudspeaker that is easy to drive and sounds very good. Zillions of them were sold, and it's not just because they were, at one point, recommended by Consumer Reports. A nice pair should leave plenty of change in the OP's pocket (unless he or she happens to live in an area where the EPIs were less common).
Assuming that s/he hasn't found a pair since asking back in March.