I'm still using a set of Klipsch ProMedia 2.1's, sadly discontinued. On the low-end side I'd probably go Creative GigaWorks T20 Series II ($70) or T60's ($95.) Depends how important clarity is and what kind of music you listen to. Anything over $100, straight to bookshelves.
T60's have better low response than the T20's, but they're slightly muddier in the mids. T20's have unmatched mid-high for the price thanks to the tweeter, but the case design makes them a little weak on bass-heavy stuff.
has to work for Yoko Ono screeching but also for Stock Aitken Waterman
I would go T20's for sure then. Realistically the next step up from there would definitely be mid-range bookshelf units.