Best home theater speakers for less than $200?

[Holliday]

Hello,

I am thinking of upgrading my home theater speakers. I've been eyeing the Polk 6750 for about $200 at best buy. I have an Onkyo HTIB (A/V receiver, 5.1 speakers), will upgrading the speakers net me anything or should I look at getting a new receiver first?

I have to admit, I've been really pleased with this system, I just don't have any frame of reference so I don't know if it's good or just mediocre and I don't know any better.

Thanks!

 

[rnatalli]

Speakers impact the sound far more than a receiver. Are you looking to upgrade your L & R at first for $200, or a full 5.1 package for $200?

 

[Holliday]

Well the 6750 is a whole new set. I thought Polk was a good brand name so I thought this was a pretty good deal, but I'm kind of a newb when it comes to this stuff. So I was asking around on here if these are worth it or if there is something of better quality out there.

 

[j_garcia]

I would put the $200 into the front 3 speakers, or just save until you have more. $200 won't get you a big enough upgrade from what you have IMO for all 5 which is what rnatalli is getting at.

 

[MatthewB.]

I used to own the Polk 6750 series and there is a very good reason they are inexpensive. I used them strictly as a back surround setup and I can tell you that these speakers have no bass and little mid range repsonse whatsoever, so you will need a powered sub (crossed over very high mind you like at 150Hz) to even get any kind of decent sound in them.

I mentioned in another thread, that for inexpensive speakers I would recommend Best Buys Insiginias at 75.00/pair so six would run 225.00 but you would still need a sub. The Isignias have a 6.5" driver (compared to the 3.5" in the Polks) and would give you far better mid range response (you can cross em over at 80Hz which will blend in quite well with a sub. I have owned the Polks and the Insignias and the Insignias are much better for the price point speakers. But at 200.00 your not gonna get much as far as sound quality but they will sound better than a HTIB speakers.

 

[MatthewB.]

I also agree that 200.00 for a pair of entry level left and right speakers would be a good start and then when money permits, add on more speakers. It is always better to get two good speakers then 5 mediocre speakers for the money.

 

[lsiberian]

Hello,

I am thinking of upgrading my home theater speakers. I've been eyeing the Polk 6750 for about $200 at best buy. I have an Onkyo HTIB (A/V receiver, 5.1 speakers), will upgrading the speakers net me anything or should I look at getting a new receiver first?

I have to admit, I've been really pleased with this system, I just don't have any frame of reference so I don't know if it's good or just mediocre and I don't know any better.

Thanks!

You could always grab some Infinity Beta 20s and a 250 or 360. It's a very nice Budget front set. Some LCR3s from The speaker company also look decent.

 

[just-some-guy]

CRAIGSLIST !!!!!!!!!!!!

$200 isn't going to get you much, new. if you were in my area, i would sell you my 3 fronts for $300. and they will blow away anything new for $300.

 

[griffinconst]

Look at some used Infinity or ads speakers for front L+R. IMO it wouild be best to replace the front 2 and add other speakers from there. Your receiver is probably fine for now. Do be aware if your amp can handle a 4ohm load as the speakers I mentioned can dip down to there.
Good luck and let us know what you chose to do.

 

[Dank]

If you really want to maximize bang for your buck you might want to check out PE
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/pshowdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-642
You will have to spend some time assembling but if you want new it is probably your best bet.

 

[bmac]

Others may laugh, but IMHO the Athena Point 5 MKII's were a great little speaker. I have owned them, and really was impressed, for the price they worked for me. I don't listen to much music, and don't have the super system, but I enjoy sound. Anyway check these out:

http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trksid=m38&_nkw=Athena+Point+5+MK+II+Speaker+System&_sacat=See-All-Categories

 

[TimPFla]

Hello,

I am thinking of upgrading my home theater speakers. I've been eyeing the Polk 6750 for about $200 at best buy. I have an Onkyo HTIB (A/V receiver, 5.1 speakers), will upgrading the speakers net me anything or should I look at getting a new receiver first?

I have to admit, I've been really pleased with this system, I just don't have any frame of reference so I don't know if it's good or just mediocre and I don't know any better.

Thanks!

Hey man,
If you can swing the extra 50.00 dollars check this out:
http://www.thespeakercompany.com/LCR18-HT-Bookshelf-Home-Theater-System-P63C31.aspx

I have the LCR2 from them and absolutely love it. These speakers are a real bargain for the money...Try them out. You don't like them, you have 30 day audition period and they pay for standard return shipping...

 

[Holliday]

Thanks for all the good advice. I'm going to do what you guys suggested and spend the money on upgrading the front speakers and upgrade the others as time and money permit. Will let you know when I upgrade! Thanks again.

 

[tcarcio]

Thanks for all the good advice. I'm going to do what you guys suggested and spend the money on upgrading the front speakers and upgrade the others as time and money permit. Will let you know when I upgrade! Thanks again.

I have a pair of Polk RT25's that are in great condition. I haven't listed them anywhere but if you are interested pm me. I haven't used them in a long time and I used them for only about six months before I went with towers. Here is the info on them.
http://polkaudio.com/homeaudio/reviews/recent/rt25i/

 

[lsiberian]

If you are good with wood working and have access to tools. A recession buster kit from madisound would be a simple build and get you way more bang for your buck then other speakers.

 

[Holliday]

I'm not so good with wood working (and I don't really have a workshop to work in) so I'll be looking for something already assembled. Those RT25i's listed above look like a good deal...