I have listened to both of the HTB 5-piece speaker offerings. The less expensive is 199.00 for the set, and the step-up offering is 299.00.
For the money (and for Pete's sake, all you pundits, note the emphasis
), they are a reasonable value.
I would never say that they are for the audiophile; but for someone looking for a very low cost HT setup for the kids' rumpus room, I would have no problems recommending these. I know two families who have never hard of Diana Krall or a crossover, but love Friday Night at the Movies - neither cannot afford the real thing. They both are thrilled to death that they were able to get a cheap, durable product that makes their Friday nights special. Well, at least least it does now that I had them both invest in an Onix X-Sub
Again, it depends on taste and discernment. I will never own Fluance speakers. I am lucky enough, however, that I have a budget that allows me to indulge myself a little more.