Looking for rears for a 5.1 system

If you're patient, they may go on sale again at Newegg.com. They're still being cleared out like the rest of the discontinued Monitor series (Polk's warehouse must be HUGE! ). Actually, only the name is being discontinued, at least for now--the same speakers were slightly changed cosmetically and are now called the TSi series. The Monitor 30, for example, is now the TSi100. And of course, the new series costs more because it is not on clearance.


There's the Infinity Primus P153BK, which some would argue is a better speaker for the same price (currently). Then there's the Pioneer SP-BS21-LR that some people like even more and some people do not like so much; it's a noticeably "warm" speaker that sounds rather different from the Polk Monitor series, so it is perhaps not the best match for your system. And if you don't mind having white speakers, the best speakers and bargains in this price range (roughly), in my opinion, would be the Boston Acoustics A23 and A25, so be sure to check those out, too.

$100 price range here - and compliments your system.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16882290200

If you want some smaller speakers
NXG
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...YR4YTKZBT3QZ2Q

Also for extra small size and low cost, the BIC America DV32:

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...number=303-400 (black)
http://www.amazon.com/BIC-AMERICA-DV.../dp/B00006JPDE (white)

I don't see any reason to get anything other than the Monitor 30s, unless you wanted to step it up to the Monitor 40s for even lower frequency response. Other than that, I'd complete your system (maybe wait for a sale as the Polks are always going on sale). The Polks have been on "clearance" at newegg over a year (so much so that the line has been refreshed at least once). I'm not sure what kind of "clearance" that really is, but I'd guess they're going to be selling them for a while.

The Monitor40s are on sale at Newegg for $129 (promo code EMCNDHD37). If you have the room for them over the smaller Monitor30s, wouldn't hurt to have the extra driver on each side.

Unless you'd be willing to accommodate the Monitor 40, you'd better jump on this deal while it lasts:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882290200

Why not some Polk OWM3's? You can wall mount them too.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882290026

If you have a 5.1 setup your surround speakers should be placed on the sides of the main listening area, not behind. 7.1 is for rear speakers.

Now I understand not all rooms can accomodate the ultimate 5.1 or 7.1 layout so do whatever works best for you.



http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/speaker-setup-guidelines/home-theater-speaker-layout-an-essential-guide

Unless you are listening to a lot of music in surround sound, the brand of your rear speakers does not matter and they don't have to match the fronts. Just buy the biggest (a.k.a. lowest frequency response) speakers you are comfortable with fitting in the space.

Also, as afrogt mentioned, the surrounds in a 5.1 setup should be to the sides of you and slightly set back (if possible), but not directly behind you.