Monoprice Premium 5.1 Speakers: $164 shipped (until 2/3)

[Kaido]

Back again for early Black Friday:

http://www.monoprice.com/product?c_...5267&ref=cj&utm_source=cj&utm_medium=11064683

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Update: $164 + shipping until Feb 3rd:

http://forums.anandtech.com/showpost.php?p=37135504&postcount=19

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Link:

http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=109&cp_id=10906&cs_id=1090601&p_id=10565&seq=1&format=2

Coupon code: (10% off site-wide, buy some cables too!)

NEW15

Price breakdown:

$183.99
-$18.40 savings
$165.59
+ $43.36 S&H (to my address)
$208.95 shipped total

Shipping kind of kills the deal, but it's still an awesome price overall. Reviewers recommend removing the grills for better sound (and a cooler look). This is basically a clone of the Energy Take Classic system, which is a very good 5-piece speaker set with subwoofer. Just add a receiver! I'm overhauling my home theater for 2015; I went with this Sony 4K 7.2 receiver for $229 shipped:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BHC7ZTE/

This is a nice basic receiver (no Wifi, Bluetooth, Airplay, apps, etc.). One reviewer posted his setup with the Energy Take Classic system:

My surround sound system is the Energy Speakers Take Classic 5.1 system. I first performed the Sony Auto Calibration with the supplied Sony microphone placed it in my head level seating position. The Auto Calibration measured all my speaker distances nearly dead on! As per Energy Speakers recommendations, I then adjusted the 5 speakers to "small" setting, set the frequency response of the satellite/center speakers to 100Hz, and set the subwoofer frequency response to about 95 Hz and the sub's volume knob to a little over halfway.

 

[BadThad]

Looks like a great speaker system for the price. Just be sure to buy yourself a Y cable for the sub.

 

[Kaido]

Looks like a great speaker system for the price. Just be sure to buy yourself a Y cable for the sub.

I've heard mixed things about this, do you have a system you've confirmed that this sounds better on? From the Monoprice comments:

The only thing I would recommend is that Monoprice add something to let buyers know that a Y-Cable is required. Most receivers have a mono (single plug cable) output to the sub, and the sub has standard RCA inputs. Although more experienced users will catch this, not everyone will, and they will be disappointed to open the box, setup the system, and find that they cannot connect the sub without this cable. This could lead to a case of "audio depression" until they get the cable...

I've heard mixed things; pretty much all sub amps I've ever seen are designed to use a single RCA input (despite having stereo RCA inputs), although this guide says you get increased sensitivity, but they actually don't recommend using a Y-cable on modern receivers due to the existing drive levels:

http://www.audioholics.com/subwoofer-setup/basic-subwoofer-setup

If your sub doesn’t have a dedicated input like this and instead has stereo RCA inputs, you can either connect the cable to one of the two inputs or use a Y-splitter to connect it to both. The advantage of the Y-splitter is the signal will be summed into both inputs of the sub increasing sensitivity 6dB meaning you can now lower the gain in the A/V receiver 6dB to achieve the same output level as you would have with only one connection utilized on the sub. Having enough drive level is rarely an issue with today’s modern A/V receiver so in most cases, we recommend using the single connection.

Some other good info from the comments:

The most important tip that was left out though, REMOVE THE SPEAKER COVERS. Terrible sound crippling design, ugly looking and cheap brittle pegs that break off on these speaker grills. Do yourself a huge favor and remove them ASAP. Not only do they sound better sans grills, they really are very sexy looking speakers that way as well. Next on the to do list, placement. These are small satellite speakers and it is very important to get the correct placement in order to appreciate their full potential. Follow the guidelines in the manual as closely as possible and listen to the magic happen. One more missing bit of advice, if you're going to mount them on a hard surface, stick some tiny rubber pads on the bottoms of the speakers so that they are isolated. I put one triangular pad on each corner about 1/2" x 1/2 " and 1/32" thick, it helps.

 

[p_monks33]

I have these in my office, they really sound decent for the money. I replaced my logitech Z680s with these, and have been happy with the swap.

 

[Kaido]

I have these in my office, they really sound decent for the money. I replaced my logitech Z680s with these, and have been happy with the swap.

Awesome, I had the 680's for a long time & loved 'em. My brother got the subsequent 550's, then the sub blew, so I threw those speakers on my Pioneer receiver & built a 48" Sonosub. Then I moved & my neighbors hate me, so I'm donating those to my bro & downsizing to the Monoprice setup :biggrin:

 

[qliveur]

These were $166 w/free shipping on Black Friday, which was insane.

The only reason I didn't buy them then was because I didn't need them, but now I wish I had anyway.

 

[Kaido]

These were $166 w/free shipping on Black Friday, which was insane.

The only reason I didn't buy them then was because I didn't need them, but now I wish I had anyway.

Dang, well now I regret getting a vacuum instead of the speakers that day

 

[qliveur]

Still @ $184, but now with free shipping thru Sunday 1/18, which makes it ~$100 less than the Energy Take Classic 5.1.

There may, or may not, be a coupon code (JAN20) for $20 off $100, but I could not get it to work in either FF or IE (promo code window won't show), so YMMV.

Either way, this is probably the cheapest we're going to see this for awhile, since shipping on it is what really kills the deal.

 

[Ayrahvon]

Was going to post this in a different thread, but I only found it because I was perusing monoprice thanks to this one.

http://www.monoprice.com/Product/?p...rtby=&period=&rating=&seq=1&format=4#feedback

Their noise cancelling headphones are on sale 15% off. I personally have not used them but the reviews make them seem pretty amazing.

 

[deadken]

Link:

http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=109&cp_id=10906&cs_id=1090601&p_id=10565&seq=1&format=2
...
Shipping kind of kills the deal, but it's still an awesome price overall. Reviewers recommend removing the grills for better sound (and a cooler look). This is basically a clone of the Energy Take Classic system, which is a very good 5-piece speaker set with subwoofer. Just add a receiver! I'm overhauling my home theater for 2015; I went with this Sony 4K 7.2 receiver for $229 shipped:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BHC7ZTE/

This is a nice basic receiver (no Wifi, Bluetooth, Airplay, apps, etc.)...

Ugh... I gotta stop visiting Hot Deals for a while!
Thanks OP! I bought a set yesterday for $183.99, no tax, and FREE shipping! I just picked up a Samsung 51" Plasma TV on Saturday, so I guess I was 'primed' to pick up a set of speakers on Sunday.

Now, I'll be needing a receiver also. But, I don't think I need 7 channels (isn't 5 enough?) and I think I'd rather have Bluetooth and perhaps even Wi-Fi. So, I'm considering the Sony STR-DH750 (http://www.amazon.com/Sony-STRDH750-...iver+bluetooth) instead of the 740. The 750 is a 7 channel receiver (I guess I can always just use 5 channels) and doesn't have Wi-Fi (which isn't worth stepping up to the Sony STR-DN850 for an additional $125, unless I'm missing something). Can I ask how happy you are with the 740? With the 750 being around $45 more, I think the only real differences are the Bluetooth connectivity.

I see that the STR-DH550 is $198 and only 5 channels. The thing is, I don't see it saying it has BT connectivity on Amazon. I guess I'll have to google 550 vs 540 later when I have more time...

 

[Kaido]

Ugh... I gotta stop visiting Hot Deals for a while!
Thanks OP! I bought a set yesterday for $183.99, no tax, and FREE shipping! I just picked up a Samsung 51" Plasma TV on Saturday, so I guess I was 'primed' to pick up a set of speakers on Sunday.

Now, I'll be needing a receiver also. But, I don't think I need 7 channels (isn't 5 enough?) and I think I'd rather have Bluetooth and perhaps even Wi-Fi. So, I'm considering the Sony STR-DH750 (http://www.amazon.com/Sony-STRDH750-...iver+bluetooth) instead of the 740. The 750 is a 7 channel receiver (I guess I can always just use 5 channels) and doesn't have Wi-Fi (which isn't worth stepping up to the Sony STR-DN850 for an additional $125, unless I'm missing something). Can I ask how happy you are with the 740? With the 750 being around $45 more, I think the only real differences are the Bluetooth connectivity.

I see that the STR-DH550 is $198 and only 5 channels. The thing is, I don't see it saying it has BT connectivity on Amazon. I guess I'll have to google 550 vs 540 later when I have more time...

Nice, congrats! One of the reasons I got a basic receiver is because you can buy aftermarket stuff with more functionality for the same price difference:

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2410695

$45 shipped gets you Airplay & DLNA, which is pretty awesome. Also, I went with 7.1 for future upgradability; Monoprice sells the individual satellite speakers separately, and Roku already supports 7.1 (and 4K in the future models). I haven't set mine up yet (still waiting on a few more parts to arrive), but I'll post back with my impressions!

 

[qliveur]

I've read the reviews, which are very positive, but I'd like to hear ATers' opinions of this speaker set once they're broken in.

And as far as cheap receivers go, I've got a Yamaha RX-V375 that cost $175 and I think it's great.

 

[deadken]

...
And as far as cheap receivers go, I've got a Yamaha RX-V375 that cost $175 and I think it's great.

While I'm not looking for a 'cheap' receiver, I'm also not looking to spend a ton of money on one. While the Yamaha RX-V375 seems decent, I can't find it new for anywhere near the price you've listed. At the $240 price I've found it for, I'd just assume get a Sony STR-DH740 or for a few bucks more the STR-DH750 and get what looks to be a better receiver (at least on paper).

 

[Awesomedude99]

Nothing can beat Yamaha JS

 

[qliveur]

^Agreed. At least, not when it comes to low-end receivers.

While I'm not looking for a 'cheap' receiver, I'm also not looking to spend a ton of money on one. While the Yamaha RX-V375 seems decent, I can't find it new for anywhere near the price you've listed. At the $240 price I've found it for, I'd just assume get a Sony STR-DH740 or for a few bucks more the STR-DH750 and get what looks to be a better receiver (at least on paper).

I got the Yamaha that cheap with a targeted Newegg coupon for 30% off that I'll probably never see the like of again.

I wouldn't recommend a Sony receiver, given all the negative stuff I've heard about them online over the years. Same for Onkyo, which is a real shame, because they used to be the bang for the buck king. You might want to give Harman Kardon a try.

My main advice is that these are low-end speakers. They're great for what they are, but you really shouldn't be mating them to anything better than an entry-level receiver, because they won't do it justice, IMO.

 

[deadken]

...

I wouldn't recommend a Sony receiver, given all the negative stuff I've heard about them online over the years. Same for Onkyo, which is a real shame, because they used to be the bang for the buck king. You might want to give Harman Kardon a try.

My main advice is that these are low-end speakers. They're great for what they are, but you really shouldn't be mating them to anything better than an entry-level receiver, because they won't do it justice, IMO.

Thanks for the information. I was leaning towards Sony because the only other home theater setup I've done was with a Sony and I was pretty happy with it. Now, I'm getting nearer to finishing my divorce, so I bought myself a new TV, new speakers, and am now looking for a receiver. Again, I'm not looking to spend a ton of money, but I'm hoping to get a good performing setup. Can you guys suggest something decent? I'd like a receiver with Bluetooth if possible (which is why I was leaning towards the Sony 750 over the 740). I originally didn't care about 7.X over 5.1. But, that Sony 750 had me thinking of running the 'other' 2 channels into a different room. But, that was just an idea, not a necessity at all.

 

[qliveur]

I portrayed Sony negatively because their receivers have been the butt of many jokes over the years as in, "I just bought some awesome Bose speakers to go with my Sony receiver, HAHAHA!" inferring that both are well-known to be overpriced junk.

However, on second thought, I guess if you can find a Sony receiver to mate with these speakers that meets both your needs and price point, I really see no reason not to buy it, since, like I said, these are entry-level speakers and not really worthy of a mid- or high-level receiver.

I'd be willing to bet that it will still sound good (or even great) considering what you paid for it. This is not "audiophile-level" (barf) stuff we're talking about.

 

[Crow550]

I love these! Great set.

They also are rated as sounding better than the Energy Take Classics!

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2348394&highlight=monoprice+10565

 

[Kaido]

The better deal is still going on:

$183.99 for the Premium 5.1 set
$20 off via promo code FEB20
$163.99 with free shipping

Offer good until tomorrow (Feb 3rd). That code also works for $20 of $100+ orders.

Update: Looks like only the $20 off $100 code is good until the 3rd, free shipping expired.

 

[qliveur]

Whoa, thanks for the heads-up, Kaido! :thumbsup:

EDIT: Waitaminute, not free shipping anymore. That was only for yesterday. It was lava hot for one day, though.

 

[TwiceOver]

No free shipping for me it seems.?

Must have been this morning only for free shipping.

 

[qliveur]

That was yesterday.

Everyone who's interested in this should keep an eye on it though. Yesterday's price was as low as Black Friday's.

 

[Kaido]

These are the speaker mounts I'm going with: ($15 shipped per pair)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005BV0FHG/

One reviewer said they worked great with his Energy Take Classic speakers. I'll report back this weekend!

 

[TwiceOver]

These are the speaker mounts I'm going with: ($15 shipped per pair)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005BV0FHG/

One reviewer said they worked great with his Energy Take Classic speakers. I'll report back this weekend!

Added to my budget theater build. Really wish I could have gotten the speakers at the $165 price. I guess I'll wait. Still have the rest of the theater to build anyway.

 

[qliveur]

These are the mounts I went with.

Cheap as dirt, look great and work like a charm.