Powered speakers or amp + bookshelf? Looking for low cost solution

[pete6032]

My HDTV speakers are very bad. I have a lot of trouble hearing dialogue between people when streaming movies from Amazon/Netflix. The dialogue always seems much too quiet versus the rest of the noises/music in the movies. I have played around with the setting on the TV and nothing makes it sound any better, so I think this is due to the tv speakers being crummy (Vizio TV).

I was thinking about getting some powered 2.0 speakers, or getting a small amp and connecting bookshelf speakers to the amp. I use a Roku streaming stick and my TV has an optical audio output. I don't need anything fancy at all, just want to have sound that is better than the TV speakers. Would it be more economical to buy a mini amplifier and bookshelf speakers or to buy powered speakers? I don't want to hook anything up to it aside from Blu Ray player and Roku stick.

 

[Rifter]

Im thinking powered speakers would be more economical, just make sure you get ones with a optical input if thats what you are going to use.

 

[monkeydelmagico]

Easiest and cheapest solution is a soundbar. Vizio makes a couple good ones that should pair easily with your TV.

Next step up is an amp and 2.0/2.1. Having a dedicated center channel makes a huge difference, especially in voice dialog clarity and comprehension.

 

[mdram]

when i got my first flat panel, i had to think about this
i decided to bite the bullet get an avr, sub, and front stage
3.1 is fine for my needs, but there is always the option of going more if i ever want to.
the center channel was worth it, and the sub just added more depth to everything

 

[UsandThem]

Be sure to try your options in store.

5 years ago I was set buying a highly rated 2.1 soundbar, so I went for a listen in Best Buy. Lets just say I was hugely disappointed, and went with a basic receiver, and entry-level speakers/sub instead. Night and day difference for me.

However, about a year ago I upgraded my two front speakers to towers, and added a central channel specifically for louder dialogue in movies. That's the nice thing about buying the receiver, you can always add or upgrade in the future.

 

[UsandThem]

I forgot to also add, if you are on a budget, keep an eye out when the Pioneer Andrew Jones speakers go on sale. I bought my two towers for $65 each, and the center for $50 on sale. They were priced at that on Amazon, and instead of waiting on them to ship (and get potentially damaged), I walked into Best Buy and did a price match, and walked out the door with them. You aren't going to beat their sound for $180. You can use this site, and set a price alert (which is what I did):

https://camelcamelcamel.com/Pioneer-SP-C22-Designed-Channel-Speaker/product/B008NCD2EI

https://camelcamelcamel.com/Pioneer-SP-FS52-Designed-standing-Loudspeaker/product/B008NCD2S4

 

[mdram]

also if you go the avr route
this site has factory refurbs for a good price, got my denon here

https://www.accessories4less.com/