small speaker HT set (no bookshelf)

[emason17]

I am trying to spend a minimal amount of money (~less than $1K) on a set of 5.1 surround speakers (packages). I was thinking that for the price, one of the best sets out there are the Klipsch Quintet IIs. I do not need a receiver, but am looking for the best I can do with a Bose-type setup. Any suggestions?

 

[WooHoo]

Lots of Choices!

For a little under or a little over $1000 you can get quite a nice system. Want proof? Look Here!

http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/loudspeakers/5.1SpeakerSystemShootout1.php

 

[nova]

For about $1199 msrp you might want to listen to RBH CT-5.1 http://www.rbhsound.com/ct5point1.shtml

 

[emason17]

price

I was trying to stay closer to $500 than $1K

 

[WooHoo]

Ok then. How about this one? AH has this included in their $1000 ultimate system. Athena Micra 6's are $499 at BB.

http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/loudspeakers/AthenaTechnologiesMicra6p1.html

 

[jbayley2001]

I'm engagaed in same search for the perfect set of HT/Music speakers. But, I'm kind of looking at 7.1 setups.

Currently on my short list:

Aperion 422/s-8 (this is actually a 5.1 satellite set, approx. $800. from Aperion -- BTW, if you're not familiar with them, see Review on this web site. They also offer 30-day satisfaction guarantee, pd shipping (both ways if you decide to return) and 1 yr trade-up for full initial sale price if you want to upgrade down the road)

Aperion 522D -- (Bookshelf 7.1 set up for a little more oomph -- Probably out of both our price ranges at approx $1850.)

Athena Technologies 7.1 system using SB-2s -- about $900. at AbesofMaine.com. (I've read nothing but rave reviews about these speakers, everywhere I've looked).

Klipsch 7.1 Medium-Size Bookshelf System (About $800-$900 -- Bundle deal at Vanns.com -- These are actually discontinued models (discontinued in 2003, I think). Klipsch has a great reputation, but I have read some disparaging remarks on this website from consumers who've owned or listened to them, so I'm a bit suspicious of lower-priced discontinued models.

Infinity TS-1100 7.1 System (Another Bundle Deal from Vanns for $1000. Go to Infinity Loudspekers website (or maybe it was Aperion) and you can find a link to a mag article (Sound and Vision, I think, where they give this set a very good review.)

I also read a great review on the Energy Take5.2 system (See Reviews link at Aperion's website. It will take you to a Magazine article that raves about this system). I was really excited about them, but then went to their website and could not find them. Went back to the Magazine review and realized it was 2 yrs. old. Energy still has the Take line, but their website is not very informative and the only dealer that carries them here in So. Cal. is Good Guys and they only have a couple of models. Can't seem to find anything out about them on the web. Anyway's finally got frustrated and gave up on them. If anyone reads this post and has any experienc with theses speakers, I'd be very interested to hear about it.

Well, that should give you something to chew on. If anyone has any comments on any of these speakers, I'd love to hear them. I/ve been researching Recievers/Speakers for about 6 months now. My wife is about ready to divorce me. I need to make a decision, soon.

 

[inmypjs]

Have you auditioned the Mirage Omnisats, Omnisat Micros, or Nanosats? I think all of them are within you price range.

http://miragespeakers.com/omnistat.shtml

Check these reviews:
Sound and Vision Magazine
Digital Home Magazine
CNET Review

and more!

More Reviews here from different magazines

 

[jbayley2001]

Oh, Jeez!!! Not yet another speaker to research!!??

I actually heard about these from a friend. Saw them on Vanns.com and they were pretty expensive, but I see from one of your links that they do put together systems in the <$1000 range.


I'll check the reviews.

thnx

 

[Xsound]

check out the onix rocket ELT at this link.
http://www.plasmadocs.com/v-web/store/index.php

Have read good things about the ELT's. You could get 6 for $390.

 

[Fb111794]

check out the onix rocket ELT at this link.
http://www.plasmadocs.com/v-web/store/index.php

Have read good things about the ELT's. You could get 6 for $390.

I'm quite sure the guys at www.av123.com would be MORE than happy to let you purchase 2 pair of the ELT's for the sale price of $129 per pair and then would make you a killer deal on a center and sub to complete your 5.1 system. Here is a link to the sale page: http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=32.1

You would be REAL close to your $500 budget and have REAL wood veneer cabinets with rounded edges, that look stunning and sound better than they look. They also offer a 30 day in home trial period.

Good luck in your search!

 

[mkossler]

Well, it sounds like you have plenty of great options available, but I will throw out my .02 worth - another great little set is the Acoustic Research HC6. These are sold as a 5.1 set, I got them from Abes of Maine for ~400.00 (after some hand-wringing, they are awful at keeping you apprised of order status).

They have a gourgeous piano black finish, but more importantly compete sound-wise with speaker sets at price points over 1000.00, imo. The original price was something like 800.00 / set. I have yet to find any small room speaker set to compete at the present price point.

That said, it's all about price/performance. The RBH's, Rockets and Axioms all have well established and well deserved reputations for sterling sound at their respective price points. The best thing you can do is audition the speakers if you can, and rely on return policies if the speakers are not what you hoped for.

Have fun!!!