[nathanieljla]

My friend asked me to pick out a home theater system, but unfortunately when it comes to speakers I don't have much knowledge (I'm more of a video guy

). He just ordered a yamaha-663 and has about 500 to spend on some fronts. The yamaha ran him 100 more than he wanted, so if I could point him to a set of fronts for under 400 he'd be happy. He's getting my sub, so it's just fronts we're concerned with. About four years ago I bought the JBL northridge e80's, and always wondered if it pointless to buy towers since i'm crossing at 80hz them on the receiver. I know a lot of people here feel that you should just get some nice bookshelf speakers for the fronts. Can I throw one more variable in the mix and ask for center speaker advice?


So: 400-500, what fronts and if cash remains what center speaker?


Thanks!

Nathaniel

 

[Triaxtremec]

Infinity PB162's sound really nice and would match the PC250 or PC350 centers nicely. They aren't aggressive sounding but have an overall smooth sound to them that really fills a room. Otherwise if you want something that's alittle more aggressive, I'm a big fan of the Klipsch line up. The RB-51 and 61 will both work within your price range and match the RC-52 or 62's center channel.

 

[jnickrand]

Check Amazon for Polk Rti8's on sale for $200 each. They were going for $330ish each just 2 months ago.


Since your in Madison you could always cruise down to Chicago and check out saturdayaudio's sale on PSB speakers. The PSB B-25 bookshelf gets amazing reviews at it's $450-500 price range and their being sold for $299 now. The Image 45 towers are on sale for $499: http://saturdayaudio.com/picturepage...maple_sale.htm



AV123 has some top notch products and are running a sale now too, their x-series mtm is down from $600 to $400: http://**********/component/page,shop...art/Itemid,37/

 

[jvgillow]

X-MTMs I think will push past $500 with shipping considered, but the X-SLS encore would be a great choice for around ~$390 delivered.


Once you pick a brand for the front left/right you need to go the same way for a center so keep that in mind. The av123 X-CS center is pretty big by most center speaker standards so it won't fit in some TV stands.

 

[ironcobra]

eD towers for 5 shipped is the way!! http://www.edesignaudio.com/product_...products_id=96

 

[nathanieljla]

Thanks for the responses so far. I guess I need to update my profile because I'm not in Madison anymore but that's a moot point since I'm still the same drive time to Chicago

I wish audio equipement was as easy to listen to as video is to view.