Speaker variance

[jackdean101]

Why is there such a big difference in price for speakers?? What is the quality of a speaker?? How do I measure that when I look to buy?? Right now the only judgement I have is price, and that is really bad...!!!

I have been checking out the system below.. It seems to me that the reciever is pretty good, but I am sure the speakers suck... What do u think?? Would you buy it??? My price range is from $600 - $800, but I could possibly push $1,000 if needed. Anything else you would suggest??? Thanks for all the help thus far!!!!!!!!!!!



Onkyo Home Theater System (HT-S790S)
ONK HTS790S
• 7.1-channel sound
• 8-piece speaker system
• iPod dock-compatible • XM-radio ready
• Onkyo's WRAT technology
• HDTV-capable


http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Onkyo-Home-Theater-System-HT-S790S/sem/rpsm/oid/150739/catOid/-12954/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

 

[j_garcia]

The weakness in that system is the speakers. I've installed the 780 and it sounds OK, but you can definitely tell that the speakers are the limiting factor here and that is how they kept the price down. It is good for the price, but it ISN'T going to leave you with jaw dropping sound. With $1K, I'd probably piece my system together myself or just go for a nice 3.1 setup initially and add the surrounds later (or get some really cheap surrounds for now).

Great speakers don't come cheap and there are a lot of things that go into a great speaker and how much it might cost.

 

[jcPanny]

Budget system

Jack,
You should be able to get a 5.1 system of the Onix X-LS speakers from av123.com for about $700 and have $300 left for a receiver. Check out the reviews on this site with include the performance and build quality of these speakers. Also, AH has done a few bookshelf speaker shootouts.

One of the advantages of internet direct companies like AV123.com, Axiom Audio, and Ascend, is that you get more for your money.

If the above option is stretching your budget, check out the Athena Audition Series or Bic Venturi bookshelf speakers for about $100 / pair.

 

[jackdean101]

thanks guys for the help!!!! I will look into that

 

[Jack Hammer]

...With $1K, I'd probably piece my system together myself or just go for a nice 3.1 setup initially and add the surrounds later (or get some really cheap surrounds for now).

Great speakers don't come cheap and there are a lot of things that go into a great speaker and how much it might cost.

Jack, this is some really good advice if you truly want a nice system. Put your money into some nice front speakers and suffer with crappy surrounds and a cheap sub until you can afford to upgrade them. This is how I put what I've got together, one piece at time, as I could afford it. It's taken me two years to get what I've got, but I'm glad I did it this way as opposed to have thrown money into stuff that I'd just have ended up replacing anyways. You'll be much happier in the long run.

 

[GreenJelly]

How you tell is you listen to them. Unfortunately this is almost impossible at Circuit Sh-City.

I would recomend that you spend a little More, and buy a good pair of B&W's and a receiver (should be around $1200). Then wait and save and buy a sub. Then wait and Buy a pair of Tower B&W's and a Center Channel.

All in all, I think the system should cost a total of $2,500. I would not be happy with any system at a lower price. I care more for sound quality then audio level, and at $1,000 for a 5.1 speaker receiver combo, you will be lucky if you could get any quality at all.

I personally would recommend spending the most money on your Speakers then any other peace of equipment. Also 7.1 systems are a waste of money and resources, especially for the prices your talking about. Any sub $1,000 combo that includes a 7.1 system is an obvious attempt at targetting the ignorant.

I can just imagine the consumer saying: "Wow, 7 speakers MUST be better then 5! Ill TAKE it..."! Or worst, the poor Circuit City Employee who doesnt even know the word "Ohm", telling the consumer "7 speaker systems are the BEST, I would buy this system!"

BTW; I spent 2 hours in the Circuit Sh-City store explaining why I needed 4Ohm front powered receiver, and educating him on what a Ohm is... Then waiting as they look up all the documentation of the receivers to find one.

I would recomend the 2 speaker aproach and spit out a bit more cash. I would also NOT recommend consumer level speakers, and buy more Audiophile level equipment. Dont be afraid of used high end speakers. If the drivers die, you can always buy replacement drivers.

Note: If you cant buy replacement speaker drivers, then its not high end... Its consumer grade.

 

[davo]

Ha Ha, Circuit Sh-city. Good one.

I agree with getting a good 3.1 setup and go with cheaper surrounds later