Whats a good bookshelf speaker on a budget (1 Viewer)

[bud659]

I am building a home theater setup and have decided between Onkyo receiver 508 or 609. What would be a good speaker setup where the fronts can sit on a bookshelf and the rears wall mounted? I prefer the front speakers to be small if possible. Budget is $300 but could go to $400 if it was worth it. Primarily for Sports and Movies.

 

[bud659]

I started some research on speakers and came across these. Polk http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882290066 Boston http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/details/544779013/boston-acoustics-cs2310b I might be able to get a Sub from my father, so the sub isnt important. Not sure how to compare. Im open to any suggestions

 

[bud659]

I started some research on speakers and came across these. Polk --> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882290066 Boston --> http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/details/544779013/boston-acoustics-cs2310b I might be able to get a Sub from my father so the sub isnt important. But not sure how to compare. Im open to any suggestions

 

[Robert_J]

Can you audition them first? That's the reason we really don't like recommended speakers. What sounds good to me might sound like crap to you and budget or not, it will be a waste of your money. If you don't have any way to listen, then both Boston and Polk are quality brands. Other here recommend Fluance and Axiom as some quality internet direct brands.

 

[gene c]

Fry's carries the tower and larger bookshelf versions of the Bostons (which are very small bookshelves but well made. My brother is using a pair of them as surrounds). They also carry Polk speakers but not sure which models. I'd also consider Definitive Technology. http://www.amazon.com/Definitive-Technology-Cinema-60-6-System/dp/B001GOK9GE/ref=sr_1_20?s=aht&ie=UTF8&qid=1311632345&sr=1-20 Energy 5.1 Take Classic http://www.amazon.com/Energy-Classic-Theater-System-Black/dp/B001202C44/ref=sr_1_2?s=aht&ie=UTF8&qid=1311632345&sr=1-2 HSU Ventriloquist http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vt-12.html

 

[bud659]

thanks for the replies. could i ask for more suggestions in the $300 range with any popular brands like Boston, Polk, Fluance, Axiom that are a good value? Those Energy Classics got good reviews and look like a quality speaker . nice suggestion gene. do i save up the extra 100 bucks if Energy's are that much better than 300 range?

 

[Robert_J]

do i save up the extra 100 bucks if Energy's are that much better than 300 range?

Where does this budget creep end? it's best to decide on a budget and stick with it. Yes, each little bit you add will get you better quality. Before you know it, you are looking at these - http://egglestonworks.com/products/the-savoy/ . I've auditioned them and they sound AWESOME!!!!

 

[gene c]

thanks for the replies. could i ask for more suggestions in the $300 range with any popular brands like Boston, Polk, Fluance, Axiom that are a good value? Those Energy Classics got good reviews and look like a quality speaker . nice suggestion gene. do i save up the extra 100 bucks if Energy's are that much better than 300 range?

You can't get Axiom's on your budget. The Energy speakers themselves are very nice for the price but so are the Polks. With Fluance, Jamo, the Polk R series, etc. You get a larger speaker but not necessarily a better one. And timing has a lot to do with it. You need to look at the right place at the right time to find these speakers at the best price. But the weak point in all of them is the subwoofer. If you're going to spend an extra $100 then look for $200-$250 worth of speakers and a BIC or Partsexpress sub. You won't find a 7.1 speaker system better then the Onkyo HT-540 for $160. http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKSKSHT540/Onkyo-SKS-HT540-7.1-channel-Home-Theater-Speaker-System/1.html But if you're looking for a small 5.1 speaker system for under $300 I'd jump on the Boston CS2310B from Vanns. Good quality speakers (as good as the Energys) and a 10" sub for $249??? Keep your expectations reasonable and you'll be very happy. At these prices beggers can't be to choosey. You'll learn to like them. http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/details/544779013/boston-acoustics-cs2310b