Recommendations for some speakers (not computer speakers)

[src]

My parents have a nice 53" tv, but with the stock speaker on the bottom you can barely hear anything... it sucks. For Christmas I want to get them some speakers (not necessarily surround sound but if I can afford to...) what are some inexpensive (<=$150) options? TIA

mike

 

[fatbaby]

thats not a very big budget...

if you're looking for a 4.1/5.1 setup, its best to get a ht in a box setup...otherwise, go used

 

[Mavrick007]

Get a couple of decent front main speakers and then go from there. I wouldn't skimp on the speakers unless the price is right and the sound is sweet. You will not get a decent set of speakers for less than several hundred bucks, so best bet is go buy mains and then in the future buy some other speakers to create a package.

 

[src]

i'm not looking for good sound or surround sound, just basically a 2 speaker upgrade from the stock tv speaker, when you turn the volume up it basically just gets muddy.... i think 150 should be more than enough

 

[fatbaby]

yes buy the best bookshelf speakers you can buy right now...so later when you get more $$$, you can get a brand new set of front/center channels, and those you bought right now will become the rears

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Remember, this is for his parents. I'll take a shot in the dark here and say that they're probably not as discerning listeners as src, and will think the sound coming out of an HT-in-a-box setup is absolutely "The Best Ever!"

- M4H

 

[Chadder007]

Actually ive been looking myself and Circuitcity has some great OnKyo speakers for sale. Regular price 299 on sale for 199!!!
Here is the model: ONK SKSHT500

Edit: BTW...this is a 5.1 speaker setup.

 

[DaveSimmons]

A very good deal on bookshelf speakers are the Polk RT25i from Crutchfield.com, at $191 a pair shipped. I got a pair of these for my Dad's den a year ago and he's been really happy with them.

If you have any siblings perhaps you could go in together on them.

A good pair of speakers will last 10+ years, so spending the extra $40 now is a wise investment.

 

[src]

not getting my point across

1. they don't watch movies
2. all I want is for them to be able to hear the TV
3. there will be no speaker upgrading in the future

 

[Ameesh]

you'll need some reciever to be able to use external speakers and this is probably out of your budget.

 

[DaveSimmons]

Originally posted by: src
not getting my point across

1. they don't watch movies
2. all I want is for them to be able to hear the TV
3. there will be no speaker upgrading in the future

1. on your budget any surround sound set you find will be really, really crappy.
2. So you should buy a pair of stereo speakers instead (assuming they have a stereo receiver of course).
3. If the Polks are too rich for your blood, used might work -or- just go to Best Buy and get some KLH or MagnetBox bookshelfs in your price range.

4. If they don't have a receiver, the TV might have an onboard amp, otherwise get something OK like the Klipsch 2.1 PC speaker set.

 

[Lithium381]

just go to goodwill.......they always have little speakers there for about $50, can't be that bad.....

 

[McPhreak]

Originally posted by: src
what are some inexpensive (>=$150) options?

Don't you mean "<=$150?"

 

[flyfish]

these or any other speakers under $150.
Goto the store to listen to them !

 

[DaveSimmons]

Originally posted by: flyfish
these or any other speakers under $150.
Goto the store to listen to them !

:: shudder :: the Sony and Yamaha bookshelf models they carry for $80-100 would be a much better choice. KLH is not much better than the $5 speakers that come with an eMachines PC.

 

[McPhreak]

You could get a pair of "white van special" acoustic image speakers for $150....

 

[Gunbuster]

JBL N24
They even come with wall mounts

 

[bsd]

Originally posted by: src
My parents have a nice 53" tv, but with the stock speaker on the bottom you can barely hear anything... it sucks. For Christmas I want to get them some speakers (not necessarily surround sound but if I can afford to...) what are some inexpensive (<=$150) options? TIAmike

get some wharfdale or similar shelftop speakers, you can also hook them up to a hifi in the room.

although perhaps an all in one dvd/ ht box and speaker pack is better, unless they are prepared to just have two speakers, and potentially add more as time goes by, that is my favored option, but its personal and dependant on how much loudness and sound quality for cds is important,

also consider that ms, intel, oak tech, and others are making wifi media chips soon, so you will be able to get mps3 in the living room!

 

[bsd]

Originally posted by: Ameesh
you'll need some reciever to be able to use external speakers and this is probably out of your budget.

its a 53" owns joo tv, isnt there a digital input, integrated decode and amp, and out puts for 5.1 or more? if so get a good pair of bookshelfs, and good auido cable for the speakers.

 

[Lithium381]

on 2nd thought, get some nice ones.....you just want 'em good enough that they don't crack up when you turn it up loud so they can hear it eh? don't you ever watch that tv and want to enjoy movies?????? it's a freakin' 53"er!!! what kind of stuff do they watch? the news?

 

[308nato]

Speakers to own = Cerwin Vega! for any situation.