Suggestions for Stereo Speakers

[MarkRyan]

I'm curious what suggestions you guys have got for a pair of really nice speakers for a relatively affordable price. They will be hooked up to my TV and video game systems, and will thus be primarily used for that, though I wouldn't mind if the speakers did music well, too. I did a bit of asking around and came across these guys: http://www.axiomaudio.com/m3ti.html

They're a bit pricey, but from what I hear they're quite good for the price. Anyone have comments or other suggestions?

Again, I only want TWO speakers for stereo sound. I don't want a 5.1 system crowding my small studio apartment. I'm also in need of a decent receiver--since I'm only going to have two speakers, I can do without all the Dolby de-coding and whatnot, right? What are some affordable choices? What consequences will I suffer if I get an uber cheap receiver?

I'm looking to spend $400-500 max. Help me out please. Thanks

[Tojo]

Go 5.1. Don't even bother with stereo, you'll just end up wanting it later.

[MarkRyan]

Perhaps you didn't see me say it twice, but I don't want 5.1.

[missinghopper]

u can get a small 5.1 that will fit in your place...but 5.1 owns all

[Fe 26]

For receivers, I'd say get something made by Yamaha. They have always made top notch receivers. My dad had the same out for about 15 years, before lightening took it out. He got another one after that and haven't had any problems whith it in the 6 or 7 years we've had it. Stay away from RCA. I got one of their high end models and the radio went out in the first few weeks.

Also, google for product reviews, ofcorse.

[Tojo]

Yes, I saw it. It's not like I really care what you spend your money on. Waste $400 or so on outdated technology.

[Fe 26]

Why are you guys fighting with him? He will probably get something with 5.1 anyway. I don't even think you can find something worth a shit in sound quality that doesn't have 5.1 hook ups on it.

If he wants quality, he's going to end up getting a system that has 5.1 as an option. That is all there is to it. If he wants stero he can just use two speakers and set the stero to No ProLogic/No effects.

[stormy]

For $400 you can get a nice set of bookshelf speakers or a really shitty 5.1 set. You definatly don't want to spend that little on serious surround sound, the 2 speakers will sound better every time. Plus, surround sound is useless for music anyway.

If I had $500 i'd probably get a set of minipods (which were $500 last time i looked), but audio dealers will give you around %10 off list. You can talk them down, kind of like buying a car. If you're really budget concious Paradigm speakers are one of the best bargains out there. My favorite brand is probably B&W, you might want to check them out too. (minipods are basicallt B&W 601s in a cool shell).

http://www.podspeakers.com/podspeakers.html
http://www.paradigm.com/Website/Site...rformance.html (you'll probably be in the range of thier performance series)
http://www.bwspeakers.com/ (you'll be in either the 300 or 600 series)

Good speakers cost more, but will retain thier value. Check out the used B&W prices on Ebay, when you add shipping costs in you might as well just buy new. I'd say that's a pretty good indication of how these compare to those worthless HTIB sets.

Pet peeve about trying to audio shop online - the manufacturers don't make the price easy to find on thier websites, if it's even there at all.

find a set your interested and look them up on http://www.audioreview.com/ to see what people paid and what they think of them.

[JefmcC]

I have the Denon AVR-1803. It is very impressive and a great bang for the buck.

http://www.audioreview.com/PRD_14006...x.aspx#reviews

I'm not sure if it's still available though.

For speakers, I have Polk bookshelf speakers. I think they are RTi28, I'm not sure. They sound amazing alone, and even better matched with a sub. I went with bookshelf speakers because I did not get any stereo separation from full size speakers (due to the room being small).

I will never go back to full tower style speakers again.

[bandit]

for under $300..maybe even $200-250, if you're lucky. You can get a Logitech Z-680 speaker system. Subwoofer, satellite speakers, dial, remote and no receiver needed. You can hook up your PC, Gaming systems all to it.

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/pr...CONTENTID=5048

So you didn't make the concert, see the premiere, or really race in the Daytona. Who cares? You've got the sound system that brings it all right home to you. The Logitech Z-680 gives you THX-certified theater quality digital sound through optical and coaxial inputs for simple connection to nearly any audio appliance. And with the Digital SoundTouch™ Control Center and wireless remote, you can sit back, stretch out and let loose.

Let the bass pump through the 188-watt subwoofer. At 62 watts (RMS) each, four satellites and a 69-watt center channel provide crystal-clear midrange and highs.

Don't forget the built-in Dolby Digital and DTS hardware decoding. Connect the Z-680 directly to a PC sound card, Xbox™, PlayStation®2, DVD player, satellite receiver or other Dolby-ready source and get a true surround experience. You can also get 5.1 surround from a stereo input through the advanced Dolby Pro Logic® II system. Best of all, you can connect up to four audio sources simultaneously, while accessing each one at the touch of a button.

- Feel earth-shaking bass with 500 watts RMS of thunderous power
- Enjoy true 5.1 digital sound with your movies and games with built-in Dolby Digital and DTS hardware decoding
- Create 5.1 surround sound from stereo music, movies, and games with Dolby Pro Logic II
- Simultaneously connect four audio sources, including PCs, game consoles and DVD or CD players.
- Be in total command with the Digital SoundTouch Control Center and wireless remote
- Know that you're getting the truest possible sound quality with THX certification