inexpensive speaker recommendation

[EddieG]

My budget is $200 MAX. I would prefer a 5.1 speaker system, such as the Harmon Kardon 14-Z or the Infinity TSS-450. In the room where this is going I am replacing a cheap system, so if I had to I can use the crappy surround speakers, and maybe the center, so my 2nd choice would be decent left/right speakers and a sub-woofer.

I am not opposed to used (ebay), refurbished, or a discontinued model.

Thanks!

Eddie

 

[rnatalli]

There is a Mission system at tsto.com that's selling for $239 without the sub. Add a Dayton sub and you'd be at around $320+shipping. There's also the Athena Micra 6 system which can be had for around $299 which includes 5 speakers and sub.

You'd be better off going with the 2 fronts first and then upgrading later. At $200, you can find some good deals for 2 speakers and you can later move those speakers to surrounds when you buy the center and mains.

Mission
http://www.tsto.com/cgi-bin/TSTO.storefront/47164ff6003ba3202740ac10034105ea/Product/View/2321

Boston Acoustics
http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=25410

Wharfedale
http://www.tsto.com/cgi-bin/TSTO.storefront/47164ff6003ba3202740ac10034105ea/Product/View/2099&2D1

Monitor Audio
http://saturdayaudio.com/picturepages/bronze_gala.htm

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

Athena
www.audioadvisor.com

av123 X-Ls
http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=82.1

Those are just a few off the top of my head.

 

[EddieG]

I like the price of the Wharfedale floor speakers for $120.

Are they good? I know nothing about speakers and without hearing 2 sets side-by-side I would not know good speakers from bad (unless the bad ones where really crappy). I know certain brands are good/great, like Boston Acoustics, Klipch, and JBL (at least I think JBL are good ones).

I like the price of the Boston Acoustic at $149/pr.

Also, the SBS silver are on overstock for $199/pr for bookshelf. Which of these 3 would you recommend, considering the price and that the Wharfedale are floor speakers and the others are bookshelf. Also keep in mind as you think about a recommendation that I prefer the silver cabinet.

I'm also watching the auctions for the Infinity TSS-450. Supposing I can get that 5.1 set for about $100 would that change your recommendations any?

Thanks!

Eddie


Thanks!

Eddie

 

[garbage pale kid]

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/493594-REG/Sony_SS_F7000_SS_F7000_4_Way_Floor_Standing_Speaker.httake a look at these

 

[garbage pale kid]

check these out http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/493594-REG/Sony_SS_F7000_SS_F7000_4_Way_Floor_Standing_Speaker.html

 

[rnatalli]

I'm also watching the auctions for the Infinity TSS-450. Supposing I can get that 5.1 set for about $100 would that change your recommendations any?

It wouldn't change mine. You're better off getting a pair of good speakers and adding on later. SVS, BA, and Wharfedale all make good speakers. They also sound very different. BA you can find at your local Circuit City to give a listen. I haven't heard the specific Wharfedales that tsto.com is selling, but the last Wharfedale bookshelf speakers I heard reminded me of Mordaunt-Short. A little bright and good detail, but they weren't harsh in any way. The SVS speakers are more laid back and not as detailed, but they play loud. Boston Acoustics are on the brighter side with good detail and they also play loud. Those are my impressions and others may have others. Unfortunately, the only way to know for sure is to audition which isn't always possible.

 

[EddieG]

Thank you so much for your thoughts. Now since I really trust your knowledge, which one would buy?

Also, what are your thoughts on the Sony's that were mentioned in this thread?

Thanks!

 

[rnatalli]

Don't trust my knowledge, trust your ears. I personally like Mordaunt-Short and other British speakers like Monitor Audio and Mission, but many will not. Head out to CC and give the BA's a listen and then post your impressions. Also head over to a local Best Buy, give some speakers over there a listen, and post your impressions. It's okay if they're out of your price range, you're just looking for a taste of what different brands might sound like. Your impressions will give people here some idea of what you may or may not like.

 

[EddieG]

What do you think about the Mission 701? They are a discontinued model and I can find them really cheap.

Thanks!

 

[EddieG]

p.s. my last message...

Should I decide on floorstanding speakers do I need to increase my budget? What would you recommend in floor standing speakers in my price range?

Thanks!

Eddie

 

[jostenmeat]

I know rnatalli has already been helping you, but did your read about his recent shoot-out?
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=36107

Is your budget still stuck at $200? I'd go bookshelves then. You can get PSB Alpha towers for $300, and even if it might considered a value, I would personally want better than that. (Of course I've spent a lot however...). Sorry, I don't know too many at that price worth looking at.

 

[EddieG]

I know rnatalli has already been helping you, but did your read about his recent shoot-out?
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=36107

Is your budget still stuck at $200? I'd go bookshelves then. You can get PSB Alpha towers for $300, and even if it might considered a value, I would personally want better than that. (Of course I've spent a lot however...). Sorry, I don't know too many at that price worth looking at.

Thanks a lot for that shoot-out. That just made more confused!!

Maybe I should say that my system will be for home theater and not music. I think I'll increase my budget to $300. I asked my wife what my budget for speakers was and she said "we have no budget". I thought that meant I could get those $2k BA, but alas I was wrong in my assumption.

So for $300 would you recommend floor standing speakers, or should I still stick to bookshelf?

I'm no audiophile and to me inexpensive (but good) will suffice.

Thanks!

Eddie

 

[rnatalli]

At $300, there are some floorstanders worth looking at. Here are a few I can think of quickly.

Mordaunt-Short
http://www.tsto.com/cgi-bin/TSTO.storefront/471812b5001785b42740ac100341060b/Product/View/2511

Athena
http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=ATASF1.2

av123
http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=94.1

Mirage
http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?g=12000&i=653OMN350&search=Mirage+VENDORID653&searchdisplay=Mirage&tp=185

That said, I'd probably still go with a really good pair of bookshelf speakers and wait till more money was available for really nice floorstanders. Then use those bookshelf speakers as surrounds. You don't want to skimp on your main speakers.

 

[garbage pale kid]

the sonys they sound just as good as alot of speakers 2 to 3 times the price

 

[EddieG]

At $300, there are some floorstanders worth looking at. Here are a few I can think of quickly.

Mordaunt-Short
http://www.tsto.com/cgi-bin/TSTO.storefront/471812b5001785b42740ac100341060b/Product/View/2511

Athena
http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=ATASF1.2

av123
http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=94.1

Mirage
http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?g=12000&i=653OMN350&search=Mirage+VENDORID653&searchdisplay=Mirage&tp=185

That said, I'd probably still go with a really good pair of bookshelf speakers and wait till more money was available for really nice floorstanders. Then use those bookshelf speakers as surrounds. You don't want to skimp on your main speakers.

If you were to purchase one of the 4 you mentioned here, which one would you get?

 

[rnatalli]

If you were to purchase one of the 4 you mentioned here, which one would you get?

I think it's obvious given that I'm a Mordaunt-Short fan. Here are my general impression of each brand. They key word here is "my".

Mordaunt-Short - Detailed and slightly bright sound without being harsh. Crystal clear sound.

Athena - Probably my last pick on this list, but still good bang-for-buck. The Athena's I've heard were a bit bright and not quite as good as some other brands, but they also cost much less. Perhaps not in this case.

Mirage OMNI - Nice warm sound, but OMNI speakers are incredibly picky about placement.

av123 - Warm sound and good detail, but to people who like bright sound, they may sound muffled or flat.

 

[3db]

I'd personally choose PSB Alpha Towers

If you were to purchase one of the 4 you mentioned here, which one would you get?

http://www.psbspeakers.com/products/Alpha-Series/Alpha-T1-Tower

I'd choose the Athenas, followed by the Mirage. haven't heard Mordaunt Short or the AV123 so I can't comment on those.

 

[EddieG]

Thank you for your suggestions. I clicked on the link for the Mordaunt but there was no speaker on that page. Which model is it?

Also, what are your thoughts on the Athena WS-100? I am watching an auction on Ebay for a used pair and might consider it if the price stays within my budget.

 

[EddieG]

http://www.psbspeakers.com/products/Alpha-Series/Alpha-T1-Tower

I'd choose the Athenas, followed by the Mirage. haven't heard Mordaunt Short or the AV123 so I can't comment on those.

How much do the PSB's go for?

 

[3db]

You need to check with your local dealer

How much do the PSB's go for?

PSB does not sell over the internet. They go thru approved dealers only. Buying PSB over the internet will void the warranty.

You should never buy speakers without listening to them first