[Wenjin Xu]

Hi,

I have purchased a receiver Onkyo NR535 since there is a special promotion in BestBuy
Can anyone recommended a 5.1 Speaker under $500?

My room only 190 ft^2, and usually I watch TV/movie and play TV game.

Here is my current list:
1. Bose AM 6 Series 3
2. JBL cineme 610

Thank you!

 

[dsrussell]

I don't really recommend systems sold as a group. Most of the time it is the subwoofer that is the throw in. Instead, I'd look at something like this:

$127 / pair Pioneer SP-FS52-LR (Andrew Jones mod): http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-SP-FS...70&sr=8-4&keywords=pioneer+bookshelf+speakers

Buy 4 (2 fronts and 2 rears) and you're at $254. Or buy 2 of their bookshelf speaker for your rears ($130 / pair) and you're at $257

$97 center channel Pioneer SP-C22 (Andrew Jones mod): http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_s...enter+speaker&sprefix=pioneer+center+,aps,279

Now you're at $351 or $354 (with bookshelf rears).

One can then add a decent budget sub such as the Dayton SUB-1200 for $148 shipped (these can often be had for around $100 on black Friday).

http://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-sub-1200-12-120-watt-powered-subwoofer--300-629

Jim Wilson's review: http://www.hometheatershack.com/for...6-dayton-audio-sub-1200-subwoofer-review.html

You now have $499 invested ($502 w/bookshelf rears), but will need speaker stands, wall mounting brackets, cabling and wiring. Also note that these speakers often go on sale.

 

[crussader]

There is currently a deal on these...

http://www.frys.com/product/7683157?site=sa:adpages page:P25_SUN date:031515

I am using the smaller version of these with my computer, and have been impressed so far.

 

[zieglj01]

I am testing these out this weekend - so I can not comment yet.
Stellar Labs bookshelf speaker
http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/50-16372

The Pioneer recommendation is a nice one

However, my favorite for one on a budget is the
Sony Core speakers - and they are on sale
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/sony-co...lack/5721014.p?id=1219148662428&skuId=5721014

The center
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/sony-co...lack/5720006.p?id=1219148662291&skuId=5720006

I would think real hard about given Sony a chance

Looks like Dayton on the subwoofer

 

[crussader]

Center channel

http://www.frys.com/product/7327174?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

Two pairs of these for surrounds

http://www.frys.com/product/7683157?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

Sub

http://www.amazon.com/MartinLogan-Dynamo-300-Theater-Subwoofer/dp/B004LRPXAU

Just over $300 for a 5.1 set

 

[dkfan9]

I'm not familiar with the JBLs, but at the price of the Sony's currently, I think they're a pretty good deal. I'd take them over the Pioneers any day when the price is so close.
And the post above with the Pioneer floorstanders was slightly off: that 127 price is per tower, not per pair of towers.

 

[zieglj01]

I'm not familiar with the JBLs, but at the price of the Sony's currently, I think they're a pretty good deal. I'd take them over the Pioneers any day when the price is so close.

Sony is a little cheaper on Amazon, and Best Buy will price match
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-SSCS5-3-Driver-Bookshelf-Speaker/dp/B00O8YLMVA

 

[dsrussell]

I'm not familiar with the JBLs, but at the price of the Sony's currently, I think they're a pretty good deal. I'd take them over the Pioneers any day when the price is so close.
And the post above with the Pioneer floorstanders was slightly off: that 127 price is per tower, not per pair of towers.

You're right. Been a long week . To the O.P.: 4 Pioneer bookshelf speakers, 1 center channel & the Dayton sub for $505. I also think the Sony Cores are worth the extra money and should be auditioned.

 

[Wenjin Xu]

Thank you so much for all your help!
since there is special promotion for JBL Loft AM40 bow,
I may consider JBL more,
sorry i am not rich..

@crussader
can i replace 1 pair Loft 40 to Loft 50? I notice there is a promotion for Loft 50.
if i do this, should i also change other component?

should i also need purchase some cable for them? if so, could you please recommended them?

 

[Wenjin Xu]

@dsrussell
Thank you for your recommendation!
Sorry i forgot mentioned my sofa is very close to the wall, so i can't have rear Floor standing speaker..
any other choice?

 

[Wenjin Xu]

Sony is a little cheaper on Amazon, and Best Buy will price match

@zieglj01
I am newbie...
Could you recommended a full 5.1 sony speaker?

 

[dkfan9]

@zieglj01
I am newbie...
Could you recommended a full 5.1 sony speaker?

The easiest way to do a 5.1 with those Sony speakers would be 2 sets of bookshelves, one in front, one in back, and the center, and then something like the Dayton Audio sub posted above for your .1.

 

[crussader]

I wouldn't put Sony speakers anywhere close to the quality of JBL.

 

[dkfan9]

You're right. Been a long week . To the O.P.: 4 Pioneer bookshelf speakers, 1 center channel & the Dayton sub for $505. I also think the Sony Cores are worth the extra money and should be auditioned.

Oh, I understand completely I've had too many of those recently!

 

[Wenjin Xu]

Center channel

Two pairs of these for surrounds

Sub

Just over $300 for a 5.1 set

@crussader
Looks Great!
may i have a question?

can i replace 1 pair Loft 40 to Loft 50? I notice there is a promotion for Loft 50.
if i do this, should i also change other component?

should i also need purchase some cable for them? if so, could you please recommended them?

 

[crussader]

I haven't heard the Loft 50, but I'm sure it would be great if the promotion is still on. As far as cable, any 14 or 16 gauge speaker wire will be more than good enough.

 

[zieglj01]

I wouldn't put Sony speakers anywhere close to the quality of JBL.

Well you can believe that if you wish - I see it another way.
However, enjoy your adventure.

 

[zieglj01]

@zieglj01
I am newbie...
Could you recommended a full 5.1 sony speaker?

As stated in post #12

 

[crussader]

Well you can believe that if you wish - I see it another way.

I can say the same to you.

 

[dsrussell]

@dsrussell
Thank you for your recommendation!
Sorry i forgot mentioned my sofa is very close to the wall, so i can't have rear Floor standing speaker..
any other choice?

I overlooked that the price on the Pioneer towers was $127 each, not a pair. The price of the Pioneer bookshelf speakers are $130 / pair, so you should consider two pair -- a pair for the front and a pair for the rears (otherwise you will be beyond your budget). You can view them here: http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-SP-BS...95&sr=8-1&keywords=pioneer+bookshelf+speakers

Sorry about the mix up.