This is my final straw! TELL ME what speakers you would buy with this budget

[Erin Hardison]

Truthfully, I can't take it anymore. 3 weeks of indecisiveness is making me want to not even bother (but we all know that's not possible).



You're looking for something for a basic 2.1 setup to go in a 20x12x9 living room with hardwood floors. Mainly to be used for TV/dvd/cd's, but no home theater. You are pretty much sure you're either getting a bic h-100 or (2) 10" daytons (they're cheap). So, no worries with sub.

You have $300 to buy towers with and not a penny more, so that includes shipping.

What do you buy?




(yes, "you" is me) ;)

[gus6464]

Can you only buy online?

[Erin Hardison]

Yes. I would prefer to actually.... there are no local shops other than BB, CC, etc.

[corysmith01]

With that budget, I'd buy the x-sls (http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=94.1) while they're still on sale to alot for shipping. Once they're no longer on sale, they'll be outside of that budget ($319/pr + shipping). At that price, you'd be hard-pressed to find better both in terms of performance and build quality.

[gus6464]

http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?search=omni+350&i=653OMN350

2x of those would be exactly $300 with free shipping. But before you buy I would first head out to a BB that has a magnolia so you can hear the mirage omnipolar sound. Some people like it while others don't.

[Erin Hardison]

I was going to buy them but they're $50 out of my range with the $85 shipping. I even PM'd mark on the forums about seeing if he could work something out but I haven't heard back so I'm moving on.

So, looks like those are out.

[corysmith01]

Huh?:confused: Unless I've really gotten bad at math over the years, with a price of $239 plus $85 in shipping, that comes to $324, which, granted, is $4 over budget. But not $50. Did I miss something?

[Erin Hardison]

Huh?:confused: Unless I've really gotten bad at math over the years, with a price of $239 plus $85 in shipping, that comes to $324, which, granted, is $4 over budget. But not $50. Did I miss something?

I was looking at the ones with grills, sorry. They're about $25 over budget... The $50 came from my typo. I meant to say $300 budget. My bad.

I actually went so far as to pull out the credit card. I was under the assumption that they offered free shipping. I was sadly mistaken.

[corysmith01]

Ahh, I see. So $300 it is. Okay...back to the drawing board.:)

[Erin Hardison]

I gotta be honest. I started off looking at the Aperion bookshelf speakers and thought that when I get the extra $ I could upgrade to towers...but if I do that then I'll just have to replace them later when they get moved to my HT room.

The agony... lol.

[pzaur]

I own a set of the 533-Ts and love them. Aperion does have a "trade up (http://www.aperionaudio.com/TradeUp.aspx)" policy. I would still audition them because of the shipping being "free" both ways.

You also may want to check out Saturday Audio (http://www.saturdayaudio.com/). They've got he Monitor Audio Bronze B2 for $279/pair and Bronze B1 for $199/pair. I'm not sure what shipping would be. The range looks very respectable for their size. Monitor gets recommended regularly as a brand to check out.

Click on "Deals" in the left column.

I've never heard these speakers before. So, take my advice with that in mind.

-pat

[yettitheman]

Pawn shops? Talk to a guy named Seth=L, tell him I sent you ;)

If you could save up a bit more money...the B&W 686's sound good when they are positioned correctly, and have quite a bit of bass for small speakers (see not requiring a subwoofer perhaps). However, the bass is slightly boomy and overextended compared to the 685's which feel more natural and make less of an initial impact. I've personally listened to the 686's and they are good speakers, especially for their very small size. You could always make them surround speakers if you ever upgraded ;) But, I've also listened to the 685's and although a put-off at first, (first the speakers were wired out of phase and the bass wasn't as pronounced as the 686's) they are more true to the music and fill the room with sound better than the 686's.

I would also recommend the Paradigm Studio 20's. I've seen them used for around $400, and they are defiantly quite good performers. However, it's been about a year since I've listened to them, and construction/drivers change, but they still might be the same. I would assume and hope so :D

The ERA D4 is even smaller than the B&W 686, but puts out a surprisingly good, clean sound that fills the room. The only problem is that it does not have much low end at all. And I think they are $600 as well.

Staying in budget:
Speakers that I've heard of, but not heard:

Axiom M2
http://www.axiomaudio.com/m2i_main.html

SVS SBS-01
http://www.svsound.com/products-spks-sbs01.cfm





I don't recommend Bose or White Van Speakers.
Example:
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/ele/498523350.html
http://www.bose.com

[Seth=L]

To the OP, you will find better sound if you look at used speakers.:D

[Seth=L]

Pawn shops? Talk to a guy named Seth=L, tell him I sent you ;)

If you could save up a bit more money...the B&W 686's sound good when they are positioned correctly, and have quite a bit of bass for small speakers (see not requiring a subwoofer perhaps). However, the bass is slightly boomy and overextended compared to the 685's which feel more natural and make less of an initial impact. I've personally listened to the 686's and they are good speakers, especially for their very small size. You could always make them surround speakers if you ever upgraded ;) But, I've also listened to the 685's and although a put-off at first, (first the speakers were wired out of phase and the bass wasn't as pronounced as the 686's) they are more true to the music and fill the room with sound better than the 686's.

I would also recommend the Paradigm Studio 20's. I've seen them used for around $400, and they are defiantly quite good performers. However, it's been about a year since I've listened to them, and construction/drivers change, but they still might be the same. I would assume and hope so :D

The ERA D4 is even smaller than the B&W 686, but puts out a surprisingly good, clean sound that fills the room. The only problem is that it does not have much low end at all. And I think they are $600 as well.

Staying in budget:
Speakers that I've heard of, but not heard:

Axiom M2
http://www.axiomaudio.com/m2i_main.html

SVS SBS-01
http://www.svsound.com/products-spks-sbs01.cfm





I don't recommend Bose or White Van Speakers.
Example:
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/ele/498523350.html
http://www.bose.com
The OP has clearly expressed the budget cannot be stretched beyond $300.;)

[Jacksmyname]

Vann's also has the Mirage Omni 350 @ $300 for a pair, with free shipping.
I'm a big fan of Mirage. Have a pair of the Omnisat v2 floorstanders in a secondary system that are terrific. Just installed 4 of their Omnican 6 in-ceilings for surrounds for my main system that has a pair of 18 year old Mirage floorstanders and a Mirage S12 sub. VERY pleased here with the Mirage products.

[Erin Hardison]

To the OP, you will find better sound if you look at used speakers.:D

I've looked in the classifieds both here and on avsforums with no luck. Nearly everything is $400+. :(

[Erin Hardison]

Thanks to everyone else for suggestions. Keep 'em coming please.

I'll continue to do my "research" today.

[mazersteven]

Thanks to everyone else for suggestions. Keep 'em coming please.

I'll continue to do my "research" today.

Find a way to get the extra cash, and stop goofing around. I mean how much are we really talking about here for all this aggravation? :eek: :D

[Davemcc]

Find a way to get the extra cash, and stop goofing around. I mean how much are we really talking about here for all this aggravation? :eek: :D

I hear ya. But this has got to be a tough hobby for somebody that can't come up with $24 over budget for something like the x-sls.

[ParadigmDawg]

We could all chip in a buck to help out but then what will we do when he wants an amp?

Come-on; you can save 24 bucks by skipping the Star-Bucks coffee for one week....

[mazersteven]

We could all chip in a buck to help


I'm in. Who do I send the cash to?

[ParadigmDawg]

Just send it to me; I will be the holder. Go ahead and send 1k and I will distribute out the $24 and then return all your contribution back to you.I'm in. Who do I send the cash to?

[mazersteven]

Just send it to me; I will be the holder. Go ahead and send 1k and I will distribute out the $24 and then return all your contribution back to you.

I'm serious. I'll help out the dude to see him get better speakers.

[ParadigmDawg]

I need a second sub; can you send me cash...please...I'm serious. I'll help out the dude to see him get better speakers.

[rnatalli]

http://www.tsto.com/cgi-bin/TSTO.storefront/4756ce0c0076abda2740ac1003410644/Product/View/2511

These Mordaunt-Shorts or the Onix X-SLS gets my vote. Find the few extra bucks for shipping :)

Otherwise, if you already have a sub, go for bookshelf speakers.

[abefroeman]

Get what I have. $299 (http://www.tsto.com/cgi-bin/TSTO.storefront/4756cf8f007a31c62740ac1003410650/Product/View/2511)

[abefroeman]

rnatalli beat me to it, they are great speakers though.
I would wait on the sub. Get the speakers...enjoy them for a bit and then add a sub when you have just a bit more dough. say 300-350. It will make a huge difference.

[Jacksmyname]

rnatalli beat me to it, they are great speakers though.
I would wait on the sub. Get the speakers...enjoy them for a bit and then add a sub when you have just a bit more dough. say 300-350. It will make a huge difference.

Thinking about it, I agree. I have a pair of mirage M760 floorstanders that I bought in 1989. I'm still using them (but I have a pair of Energy RC-70's on the way). I didn't start using a sub with them untill about a year ago. They're great on their own for bass.
Shoot the whole wad on better speakers, and add the sub later when you can.

[annunaki]

The Mirage's are a very nice speaker for the money. I would look into those.

[gus6464]

The Mirage's are a very nice speaker for the money. I would look into those.

No one gives the Mirage some love. :(

[nick1000000]

I need a second sub; can you send me cash...please...

I'll send the cash but I get to choose it and I get it on weekends and every other holiday.

Real advice: Whats the rush? If there are speakers you really like and are just out of you budget reach, save. Wash cars and mow lawns. Buying speakers because you must have them now and don't really care what they are as long as they are in a price range can be dangerous. I know you are asking for our opinions on good speakers. All of the suggestions are good, but you should listen to them before you listen to our advise.

[flippo]

Here is another vote for Mirage

[corysmith01]

Buying speakers because you must have them now and don't really care what they are as long as they are in a price range can be dangerous.

Man, how true that is. Seriously, you've gotten some good suggestions here, but it may be worth it take a breather. I mean, the x-sls pointed out earlier are a mere $24 over what you want to spend. How hard can it be to come up with $24? I've been down the road of wanting something immediately, buying them, only to turn around 4 months later, sell, and purchase another pair. It's expensive, not to mention at pain the rear (the shipping of your old speakers). That's not to say that any of the speakers mentioned here won't be great. But buying based solely on price, and not basing it on what you really want, can be a risky proposition. Either way, good luck.

[Gimpy Ric]

Man, how true that is. Seriously, you've gotten some good suggestions here, but it may be worth it take a breather. I mean, the x-sls pointed out earlier are a mere $24 over what you want to spend. How hard can it be to come up with $24? I've been down the road of wanting something immediately, buying them, only to turn around 4 months later, sell, and purchase another pair. It's expensive, not to mention at pain the rear (the shipping of your old speakers). That's not to say that any of the speakers mentioned here won't be great. But buying based solely on price, and not basing it on what you really want, can be a risky proposition. Either way, good luck.

This man speaks the TRUTH! I've done the same thing, this time with an IBM Thinkpad. I bought a $2500.00 widescreen Thinkpad, and it runs at 1920 x 1600 resulution and I can hardly read anything, so I'm replacing it with another new Thinkpad that has a 14.1 screen @ 1024 x 768, so my middle age eyes can read the damn screen.

Speakers, especially at our level of enthusiasm, should be considerd durable goods, i.e. things you expect to keep and last more than three years. If your argueing over $24 bucks, get a life, or another hobby.

*Sorry for spelling errors, I'm in a hurry.

[mojo_13]

What about getting some rti8's from Fry's they are currently $149 each or $298 for the pair. Ive never heard them but the reviews say they are a good speaker especially for that price.

[Erin Hardison]

If your argueing over $24 bucks, get a life, or another hobby.


A little harsh.

I'm a college student, guys. Everytime I stretch the budget, there's always the "well, $15 more could get me...". I'm quite sure you all have been down that road. That's why I specified $300 as my absolute cut off.

Just because I'm new to home audio doesn't mean I'm new to audio. I've been a car audio nut for a few years and I'm the same way. I take forever to make a decision because I want it to be the right one. I invite anyone in the northern Alabama area to listen to my car stereo...(this statement isn't meant to sound as arrogant as it looks, point is just that I'm new here, but not stupid)



Buuuuut, I digress. Today I got a wind of luck. I managed to sell 2 college books on half.com that I've had up for a few months. Each at $80 a pop. After thinking about it today and trying to think realistically I finally made a decision which bumped my budget, but I feel I'm getting what I pay for:
Aperion 532's on aperion stands

I called them up and asked if they had any open box deals. Sure enough they did. I got 15% off my purchase since all of it was open box. Paid $387 shipped for it all and still have all the standard Aperion warranty, trade-in, etc. :)

I also ordered a Bic H-100 sub on e-bay for $240 shipped.

So, thanks for all the help and the "smack" of common sense. I hope you guys can appreciate the direction I was attacking this from. Hopefully when I graduate in May $24 won't be such a big deal. Actually, when I build my HT I'm most likely going DIY all the way around.

[corysmith01]

Good for you. Aperion is respected and I'm sure those will serve you well. And with them, you should have the 30-day trial with shipping paid both ways, so you've got nothing to lose.

Hopefully all of our feedback was seen as constructive and not combative. I for one have done the "buy low, then end up buying again" thing so that was my only word of caution. Yes, everyone has budgets they have to live with and that's completely understandable. I for one would like to hear your thoughts on the 532's when you get them. I've never heard Aperions, but always see them pop up on the boards.

[Erin Hardison]

Hopefully all of our feedback was seen as constructive and not combative. I for one have done the "buy low, then end up buying again" thing so that was my only word of caution. Yes, everyone has budgets they have to live with and that's completely understandable. I for one would like to hear your thoughts on the 532's when you get them. I've never heard Aperions, but always see them pop up on the boards.

I understand. I just wanted to point out that I know you all have been in my shoes where a $200 budget quickly becomes $400. LMAO...I just realized that's exactly what happened to me.


I'll definately post up a review. I can't wait. My wife thinks the Aperions look nice. I'm a bit worried about blending sub with midbass so we'll see.

Thanks, all. :D

[Davemcc]

A little harsh.

Buuuuut, I digress. Today I got a wind of luck. I managed to sell 2 college books on half.com that I've had up for a few months. Each at $80 a pop. After thinking about it today and trying to think realistically I finally made a decision which bumped my budget, but I feel I'm getting what I pay for:
Aperion 532's on aperion stands

I called them up and asked if they had any open box deals. Sure enough they did. I got 15% off my purchase since all of it was open box. Paid $387 shipped for it all and still have all the standard Aperion warranty, trade-in, etc. :)

I also ordered a Bic H-100 sub on e-bay for $240 shipped.



That's the kind of commitment I was hoping to see, maybe even a little more.

[Erin Hardison]

That's the kind of commitment I was hoping to see, maybe even a little more.

haha. I try.

I'm pumped. I've got some planning to do.

I'm going to have to fire up my laptop rta software when it comes in and start playing around with position.