My viewing room is small, like 12x16.

I recently purchased an Onkyo TX-SR507 receiver and have been using my speakers from my Logitech Z-5500 computer speaker set, no subwoofer.

I has quickly occured to me that these speakers are not powerful enough for the job, especially the center speaker.

So I am looking for an inexpensive set that will out-do my current speakers.

I may have to go the 3.1 route as I don't really have a place to put my rear speakers nor does the idea of having visible wire running around my room sound appealing. I live in an apartment, so I can't go through the walls.

I would entertain the idea of getting a 5.1 set now and holding on to the rears for later (I won't live here forever!).

So what do you recommend? I was looking at the Energy 5.1's because they get good reviews around here. I've always liked Klipsch speakers.

I'd say my budget is around $300, but I'd go up to $400 if I knew I was getting something great.

Thanks!

It's a tight budget, but check out these packages from TSC...

http://www.thespeakercompany.com/TSBLA-HT-P154C33.aspx

http://www.thespeakercompany.com/TSB8-HT-Home-Theater-Bundle-P65C33.aspx

Alternately you could get the TSBL mains, TC2 center, and a Parts Express Dayton SUB-100 for around $410.

go to fluance.com nice setup for low cost. i have had them for more than five years with no problems.

For a 3.1 system, two of these Energy C-50 Bookshelfs ($47 ea):

http://www.wwstereo.com/#/ecommerce/store/Speakers/33/144501/9_1_-1_84__0_0_0_-1/

One of C-C50 center ($79)

http://www.wwstereo.com/#/ecommerce/store/Speakers/33/144378/9_1_-1_84__0_0_0_-1/

At Costco, the Energy EW8-HG subwoofer is on sale for $129 after instant discount (I think).

Total - $302.

For 5.1, four satellites, the center and the sub (two satellites for later use when you have the room) sets you back $396 total.

spend more on the sub, the ESW-8 is not a great value when for $200 you can get a BIC F12, PA-120, HD SUB12 or something like that. combined with an inexpensive pair of bookshelf speakers and a center (like the Energy's suggested above) you will have a pretty sweet budget 3.1 setup.

And also, if you wanted to Energy sub, the TSC ASW-8 (http://www.thespeakercompany.com/ASW-8-8-Subwoofer-P61C17.aspx) is nearly completely identical for $99 with free shipping both ways.

So either that, or spend a bit more to get the larger subs that batpig listed. Cheers!

Major thanks everyone, I'm going to start looking around now.

I was under the impression that for budget I should just get a package.

Specifically, I looked at this:
http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/details/542890837/energy-take-classic-5-0

And in the bottom right you see they will throw in the sub for under $350. How is this?

Keep in mind, I am NOT an audiophile and this is for an apartment, with units around me. So I don't want to be rumbling the walls and waking the neighbors.

if you just want some nice, small speakers for an apartment and aren't looking to rattle the foundation, that setup (Take Classic + ESW-C8) sub is a very nice value. It's simple, all-in-one package that will sound great at moderate volumes with a very small form factor.

If that appeals to you, go for it.