best bookshelf speakers under $200 (1 Viewer)

[jonathan_paul]

A couple years ago I bought a Sony HTIB and now want to upgrade the speakers, everything will get upgraded eventually but I figured the best place to start would be with the speakers. So what would you reccomend for under 200?

 

[Nick-G]

I'm also upgrading a Sony HTiB and have been doing a bit of research for speakers in about this price range. I'm debating between the JBL NSP-1 set or a pair of the Athena AS-B1's. This weekend I'm going to go and listen to some similar Paradigms. The JBL set is nice because you can upgrade all 5 speakers for about $200, but the Athenas sound a bit better and go a bit lower. Its a tough choice that will probably only get tougher after I listen to the Paradigms!

 

[Robert Cowan]

my store has B&W DM303's on sale for $199/pair. really good price for a decent speaker. you will be hard pressed to find anything much better for that price. plus, you get to say you own B&W!

 

[PierreN]

I'm looking for a pair of speakers for surround sound also. I currently use JBL S38II & S-CenterII. Should I stick with JBL (S26II - $149) or should I consider this B&W DM300 ? I understand the "matching timbre" part, just curious whether the back speakers would make a dramatic different in sound (if it's a B&M)... Thanks !

 

[John S]

As an S38 owner all the way around, I vote for that choice.
It does seem logical for you to stick with s series though in general.

 

[RichardH]

$200 for a pair or for all 5? If it's all 5, then JBL NSP1 should be at the top of your list. If it's just for a pair, there are tons and tons out there ....

 

[Patrick H]

For $190/pr you can get the Paradigm Atoms. Highly regarded speakers and a great bang for the buck.

 

[Chris A H]

If you can squeeze out another $50 I'd go for the new Hsu 6-speaker Ventriloquist VT-12 set-up.

 

[John Garcia]

S28s and even the S26 will probably push an HTiB to it's limit, so be careful.

For $190 US I was able to get sheilded Paradigm v3 Titans brand new. Used Atoms can be found for as little as $100/pr.

 

[Jeff_Fitz]

Jonathan:

There is a poll going on at AVS right now entitled "Best value in a small bookshelf". Sounds like it may be of interest to you.

Right now the Paradigm Atom is in the lead with the Axiom M2i in a close second place.

There are also some interesting thoughts in the discussion thread around the poll.

Check it out here.

Hope that helps,


Jeff

 

[Mark gas]

You should be able to get the ASB2's for around $200.