speaker recommendation

[kungroger]

Hi,

I'm trying to stay sub $500 on a surround speaker system. I'm trying to decide between

polk rm6750 ($500)
harmon kardon htks8 ($350)
Athena Micra 6 ($300)

Any suggestions, I'll be hooking them up to a Onkyo 602.

Is it worth the extra $ for Polk's?

Thanks,
Roger

 

[nibhaz]

On paper all three systems seem to be very similar. However that's not really important in determining if the Polks are worth the extra cost, nor are our opinions. Only your ears are can answer your question. Sorry if this doesn't help you, but it's the most honest answer one can give.

 

[zumbo]

$500 for a whole set is not going to cut it. If I were you, I would spend the $500 on a set of bookshelf speakers. Use them for now. Then, as you get more money, slowly buy more speakers. The plan would be to move the bookshelf speakers to the rear in the future. This way, the $500 will not be wasted.

 

[Shinerman]

You have two options,

Like Zumbo wisely stated, if you are planning on upgrading speakers at a later date or want really good sound, spend the $500 on 2 good front bookshelves. Next, add the center, then a sub and then the rears or two new better fronts and move the 1st pair to the rear. This is my suggestion.

or,

If you really don't plan on upgrading and can settle for "decent" sound, I would scratch the H/K off the list and get te best possible speakers you can. Listen to the Athena and Polks and see which ones you like the best. I would also look at some packages from Energy, Paradigm, and maybe even Definitive Technology. You might spend a little bit more but you will get much better sound.

Shinerman

 

[mkossler]

Well, patience is always the best answer, and given your stated budget you will eventually be happier exercising patience. Realistically, however, precious few of us are that patient.

I will add to the list the Acoustic Research HC6's. This 5.1 bookshelf package is a set of drop-dead gorgeous high-gloss piano black speakers that were orginally priced at 800.00, now can be had in the 325.00 range, that are accurate and tight far beyond their price point. They do very well for HT especially, although I also like using my set in the living room for multi-channel music. There is a limited thread on HTF (sorry mods) from the past few days that also mentions these. I've had them, and if you have a smallish (<=2000ft^3) room, you may not feel the need to upgrade for some time. Some have mentioned the Energy Take 2's as warmer in this price range; personally, I heard both and really, really preferred the AR's. The weak point is really the 8" sub, which while nice and tight really takes some careful placement and will not provide the visceral experience of even an entry level SVS, Rocket or Hsu. Again, for a smallish room you may find it to be plenty.

One man's opinion, like many here - best of luck, and enjoy!

Edit - removal of over-used "really" 's. I really, really had too many in the post

 

[Leprkon]

Hi,

I'm trying to stay sub $500 on a surround speaker system.
Thanks,
Roger

You can do a decent job with the money you have (assuming you don't need a sub).

you can get solid sound with a pair of these bookshelves for $ 230:

http://ww1.onecall.com/PID_15540.htm

add a center for $ 180:

http://ww1.onecall.com/PID_15543.htm

you can use some small, inexpensive indoor/outdoors for rear speakers and still get excellent surround. They come with free brackets for $ 100.

http://ww1.onecall.com/PID_15081.htm

if you need a sub, this one is a great value at $ 130

http://ww1.onecall.com/PID_26740.htm

a package like this will sound alot better than the HTIB's you were looking at, but still not break the bank.