I'm not sure if I'd bought my new speakers when those threads were discussed (I had been using a 15" Mackie Thump for a while but it was so huge and overkill). I found these Samson Expedition Escape mini PA speakers (
http://www.samsontech.com/samson/products/portable-pa/expedition-rechargable/expeditionescape/) and they went on sale for about 90 bucks at a store near me so I bought one to test them out. I think they're 10 or 15 watts.. not huge or super loud but I went back and got a second one so I'd have a pair and together they're pretty fine.. I used them to jam with 3 guitarists and I kept up to their volumes.
They're got 1/4" instrument cable inputs, I run them out of my little mixer or could also go out from my audio interface.. they're rechargeable so you don't always need to use extra plugs and they've lasted a long time on a charge.. also they've got bluetooth connection so if you feel like using them for parties or outside on the weekend it's clean and easy so lots of uses made them a great choice for me. Also, for another 65 bucks (I think that's what they went on sale for) I got a pair of speaker stands for them.. they're mini's to match the size/weight.. also don't take up too much room.. I really love this whole setup and how they look. At home I've got them on the stands in the corners behind me but when I jammed I stuck them on the floor under the drums, on the angled side (because of the angles you could also use them as vocal monitors if you wanted). Lots of uses and in the end if was about 300 after tax for a pair of speakers and stands. That's less than I paid for one single PA speaker on its own.
I'll add a pic.. they're not beasts, but affordable and especially for just playing at home, likely as loud as you'd ever need..even jamming.