Bookshelves under $250

[riceaterslc]

How come?

because they are 50 bones. i completely agree that BB is not usually a good place to audition, but for 1/4 the price of the other options you are looking at, it couldn't hurt to take a listen. check the return policy, maybe you can bring 'em home and take them back if you're not satisfied.

 

[Joe Schmoe]

because they are 50 bones. i completely agree that BB is not usually a good place to audition, but for 1/4 the price of the other options you are looking at, it couldn't hurt to take a listen. check the return policy, maybe you can bring 'em home and take them back if you're not satisfied.

I brought home a pair of the Insignias once, because they were so cheap and some have claimed they sound good. They did sound good for maybe half an hour, before I adjusted enough to start identifying all the distortion they were putting out. Fatigue set in soon after, so they went back to the store. They are better than most $50 speakers, but they are never going to be in the same league as decent $200 speakers.

 

[j_garcia]

I agree about the Insignias. Out of the box, they are nothing special. Note too that they are no longer on sale, so they are now $70 not $50.

 

[Pancho Urbano]

xls will blow you away

I have two pair of the Onix xl-s - Shadow Maple & Rosewood. They will bring you a lot of happiness. I don't think Infinity, Polk, or whatever mass market brand could come close. Just amazing speakers for the price.

I would also consider the lower end offerings from Axiom, Ascend, and Paradigm.

 

[WorldLeader]

How well would the AV-2s and the x-ls blend? I could buy some x-ls now in stereo, and then save and build some AV-2s later that would become mains. And build a center.

 

[j_garcia]

I don't know about the tweeters, but the midbass is similar and they were both designed by the same ears, so if that is any indicator, I'd say they'll blend pretty well.

 

[billnchristy]

Dude, that room rules.

I think either choice you make, the DIY route or the X-LS you will be impressed and happy.

Just enjoy the outcome!!