Best Home speaker system for around $200?

TTM77

Golden Member
Dec 21, 2002
1,280
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0
I am about to buy my first home speaker system and I need some expert opinion and comments on what to buy.

I am looking for a set of Speaker system (Receiver already in shipping process). The only requirement I see is matching the ohms of receiver with speakers. And it seem most of them are 8ohms.

So, what is the best speakers around $200 to $400?

Here is the one I think I will buy.
Acoustic Research HC6 6-Piece Home Theater Speaker System.

Thanks in advance.
 

conjur

No Lifer
Jun 7, 2001
58,686
3
0
Well...in that price range for a full 5.1 set you're not really going to notice much difference (nor much bass)
 

amnesiac

Lifer
Oct 13, 1999
15,781
1
71
Actually those AR speakers are rated VERY highly on Audioreview. THat may not be a bad choice!
 

Viper GTS

Lifer
Oct 13, 1999
38,107
433
136
Start small & upgrade. Even a good 2.0 system will be leaps & bounds above the built in crap.

With a $200 starter set you'll be upgrading EVERYTHING when the time comes to make any changes.

Start with something in the $500-600 range & you have something to work with.

Viper GTS
 

EvilYoda

Lifer
Apr 1, 2001
21,198
9
81
If you absolutely want to go surround immediately, I would look into the ELF 1.0 or 1.5s made by Creative Sound. They sell them in just parts, or parts with unfinished cabinet or completely finished speakers. 4 1.5s will run you over $200, but 4 1.0s will be within your range. Lots of good reviews and talk about these speakers (more important, the Tang Band drivers used in each) on hometheaterforum and other sites. Other manufacturers call the BozeBusters or Micros.
 

C'DaleRider

Guest
Jan 13, 2000
3,048
0
0
As mentioned before, spend your money on a "good" set of mains before trying to build an entire 5.1 system on that budget. Athena makes a good inexpensive pair with the Technologies S2 @ $375/pr, and also try to listen to these others: Acoustic Energy (Aegis One @ $299/pr), as does PSB (Alpha B @ $249/pr), Mission m71 ($250/pr) and Paradigm Atom v.3 ($189/pr).

No matter how good the electronics may or may not be, you end up listening to the speakers. A good bit, maybe a majority, of your budget should be spent on quality speakers, speakers that won't tire you out after a spending a week with them. Try many out, do not buy them unlistened to.
 

MustISO

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
11,927
12
81
When I first started shopping I was looking at the low end and I was always really disappointed. You are much better off starting with a L/R pair and working from there. The downside to that is if you wait to long, the speakers you have may not be made or it may be tough to match the rest of the system. That receiver is awfully expensive for a cheap system. I would rather spend $250 on a receiver and the rest of the budget on speakers.
 

Yzzim

Lifer
Feb 13, 2000
11,990
1
76
I've got Fluance speakers at home here and I think they sound awesome. My audiophile friends are even impressed with them.

Get the Fluance speakers from Ebay and find a good deal at Etronics on a reciever (watch Hot Deals) and you'll be set :)
 

Nikamichi

Diamond Member
Nov 21, 2003
7,759
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Don't forget Onkyo. Their setups easily rank above & beyond anything that Sony/Panasonic/or even Bose can offer, especially for the price range. I own an Onkyo HT and the crisp & powerful range is more than exceptional.

Check this setup:
Onkyo HT-S660

It runs about $400. 150W Sub & 100W per Channel = :)
 

TTM77

Golden Member
Dec 21, 2002
1,280
0
0
What are the differences between SKS-HT500 and SKS-HT510???

I heard Onkyo is a good brand but only from people with both speakers + receiver from Onkyo. Anyone have tried their speakers with other receiver?

Around $200 is a very good price. Meet my budget but I am not sure how the quality is.