help me out

[BUDdHOLLY]

I've been looking in to getting a surrond sound system. I only have a 27" TV so I'm not looking for anything too complex/expensive. I get a smoking deal on the Athena Micra 6 Series, around $250 with tax but I'm not sure if the quality is that great and from the reviews I've read it sounds like they have a only a decent low end. I don't have a ton of space so the small design is appealing to me.

This is what I've been looking at so far...

Athena Micra 6
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=1069296848554&skuId=6199525&productCategoryId=cat03049&type=product

JBL SCS Series 6.1
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=1055388006153&skuId=5571393&productCategoryId=cat03049&type=product

Yamaha NS-FP9500
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=1077626315963&skuId=6359576&productCategoryId=cat03049&type=product

Is the Athena system the best?

 

[Rob Babcock]

"Best" is a subjective term that's impossible for us to determine for you. That said, of the three systems you list, I'd choose the Athena's. Although there are other choices I'd put ahead of any of those. Depends on what you can spend. Although if your limit is $250, you'd be hard pressed to do much better.

 

[BUDdHOLLY]

What would you consider to have better low end and stay around $250-$350?

 

[rgriffin25]

Bud,

I am pretty sure BB has a decent return policy. Start with the Athenas and take them home and try them out in your room. This would be the only accurate way to find out which sounds best to you. If the Athenas get the job done then your work is done. If not cross them off the list and go for the next ones.

There are too many factors in what "sounds good" to give you an accurate response. I doubt there are many speaker packages in this price range that will blow you away with low bass.

If you want better Bass response save your money until you can get a bigger subwoofer.

Hope this helps,

 

[BUDdHOLLY]

Thanks. How about receivers? I really like the Onkyo 502. Are Yamha receivers any good, I've heard mixed reviews.

 

[MDS]

I've had an Onkyo 502 for nearly a year now and it has been flawless. All of the top tier brands (Onkyo, Yamaha, H/K, Denon) make good equipment but I've always preferred Onkyo - easy setup, well thought out user interface, and no fluff like 52 DSP modes you will never use.

 

[wafflebird]

You will be happy

I started this out about three years ago and bought a Keenwood HTiaB. I must say that I was pleased, very pleased. It was a basic system but know one thing. You will be so much happier with it over standard TV sound. It is dark to daylight difference. Spend a little time, audition the speakers and take it home. Trust me it will put a smile on your face for sure.

I have moved up in equipment in my living room but you had better believe that the Kenwood went right on in to the bedroom with the 32" sony "Oh yeah baby!!!!!!!!!!"

 

[new2ht]

Would you mind telling me where you can get that deal on the Athena Micra's from BB? I see them on BB.com for approx. $470 on sale.

Thanks in advice.