Smallest passable sounding speakers for $1K or under?

[Aburtch]

Greetings,

I don't have a lot of speaker experience so I'm posting in the beginner forum.

My brother has the world's worst speakers. They are tiny - no more than 8" tall - and as a result sound like total crap. However, the wife factor is high on this one and they both love the fact that the speakers are so small they are almost invisible.

Is there a decent sounding 5.1 speaker system that is small and doesn't sound terrible? He'd like to stay under $1,000. I know there are tiny Bose systems such as the Bose Acoustimass 6 but I was wondering if there weren't other, more audiophile options.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Steve81]

Here's one option:
http://emptek.com/cinema5.php

Could also build a package of 5 of these:
http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/products/speakers/htm200/htm200.html
and have some change left over for a sub.

 

[markw]

A lot depends on what ones expectations of "passable" is. Small size means small bass. Assuming you're planning on using a subwoofer (That Bose system you mention uses one), then the lack of bass shouldn't bee that much of an issue.

So, what is it that you find objectionable about your brothers speakers?

Personally, for standalone "full range" speakers (not depending on a subwoofer), I find that 6 1/2 drivers are the smallest I would go. Now, adding a subwoofer is another matter.

If you don't mind a subwoofer, then this system has my interest. The reviews are outstanding.

http://www.svsound.com/speakers/prime-series/prime-satellite-5-1

 

[slipperybidness]

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/cambminxmin11blka/cambridge-audio-minx-min-11-ultra-compact-satellite-speaker-black-each/1.html

http://www.nhthifi.com/bookshelf-speakers-subwoofer-Super-Surround-5-1?sc=12&category=3830

 

[Alexandre]

If you're looking for small speakers, I would recommend you give these a listen:
http://www.anthonygallo.co.uk/pages/products-speakers-micro.php

Anthony Gallo makes 4 different models of tiny spherical speakers, I use a pair of Nucleus as rear speakers in my HT and they do the job reasonably well.

Alex.

 

[Alexandre]

Additionally, Bowers & Wilkins has a line of mini home theater speakers: http://www.bowers-wilkins.com/Speakers/Theatre_Solutions/Mini_Theatre

From what I heard, the sub is good but expensive so maybe skip the B&W sub and go with something cheaper elsewhere.

That having been said, at $250 a piece I think I failed this test, these are a bit above your budget albeit not enormously above, and they're available at Best Buy which makes them easy to try at home (gotta love Best Buy's return policy!).

 

[Aburtch]

A lot depends on what ones expectations of "passable" is. Small size means small bass. Assuming you're planning on using a subwoofer (That Bose system you mention uses one), then the lack of bass shouldn't bee that much of an issue.

So, what is it that you find objectionable about your brothers speakers?

Personally, for standalone "full range" speakers (not depending on a subwoofer), I find that 6 1/2 drivers are the smallest I would go. Now, adding a subwoofer is another matter.

If you don't mind a subwoofer, then this system has my interest. The reviews are outstanding.

http://www.svsound.com/speakers/prime-series/prime-satellite-5-1

Thanks! Those are a very nice set that might work well.

 

[slipperybidness]

Personally, for standalone "full range" speakers (not depending on a subwoofer), I find that 6 1/2 drivers are the smallest I would go. Now, adding a subwoofer is another matter.

+1

Maybe, a big maybe, 5" if there is a pair per speaker.