Best Speakers on a Budget?

[GuitarGuyBMG]

Yeah, I'm definitely not new to upgradeitis - this would just be my first time building a home theater system. I have a major case of upgradeitis when it comes to my 06 Mustang GT and my PC.

[Grevlin]

well, there you go.

You're wallet is gonna get a whole lot thinner

Welcome.

(After a while, introduce that PC to the HT)

[callas01]

Originally Posted by GuitarGuyBMG

It may also be worth mentioning that I'm in a third floor condo, so I can have a good amount of volume, but I don't need something that will BLOW ME AWAY, becuase I'd likely get complaints.

Then go with the C-500 fronts mentioned and you wont even really need a sub, and Blow you away means the sound will be just phenominal, not house rocking,

[GuitarGuyBMG]

I'd rather get some floor standing kind If I could in my price range. Those Polks on sale at NewEgg look pretty good. I also like buying from NewEgg becuase I get the majority of my computer upgrades from there, so I know they're good.

Is there any disadvantage to the Polks?

[Big Daddy]

Originally Posted by GuitarGuyBMG

Is there any disadvantage to the Polks?

No, Polk offers very good speakers at low prices.

[Grevlin]

I'm not positive GGBMG, but I believe Polk stop producing the Monitor line. This would explain why they don't seem to be on the site. This would also mean a limited inventory out there, so keep that in mind with your shopping time frame. I've had ZERO problems with mine and the only reason I may want to change them is to grab a pair of 60's or 70's, or move up to the TSi line. All accounts say that the TSi line has a nicer finish and look, but are pretty much the same as the Monitor Line. I have a CS10 center channel, which is from the TSi line.

You can check out mu gallery for some pics of Polks in action. (MANY other galleries have them as well) and I suggest the Official Polk Speakers thread, they're a great bunch of members and happy to welcome a new or potential owner.

(Those Energy's are VERY nice as well. I would have a harder choice if I were to start all over again.)

[prerich]

Originally Posted by JasonR

If that is your budget, I would spend less on the receiver and more on your speakers.

Toche'!!!! You are correct!!! I would turn the budget around myself!

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by JasonR

If that is your budget, I would spend less on the receiver and more on your speakers.

Originally Posted by prerich

Toche'!!!! You are correct!!! I would turn the budget around myself!

I agree!

I'd try to find a refurb receiver for $300 or so if I were you....

Speakers make MUCH more of an impact than the Receiver, and I'm certainly not saying all are created equal, but Yamaha HTIB speakers connected to Krell Amps won't impress anyone ..... just my thoughts.

[GuitarGuyBMG]

Thanks for the opinion guys. I would rather save up a little longer and do things right the first time.

I also have had a bad experience buying refurbished units. I bought a refurbished Pioneer AVIC-Z2 for my Mustang for a website and they sent me a AVIC-Z1. I ordered it for Christmas and I ended up getting the right unit on March 17th.

I just like having the piece of mind from dealing with a reputable dealer.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by GuitarGuyBMG

Thanks for the opinion guys. I would rather save up a little longer and do things right the first time.

I also have had a bad experience buying refurbished units. I bought a refurbished Pioneer AVIC-Z2 for my Mustang for a website and they sent me a AVIC-Z1. I ordered it for Christmas and I ended up getting the right unit on March 17th.

I just like having the piece of mind from dealing with a reputable dealer.

Building Slow is also a route you can take, and usually pays better dividends in the long run, for instance getting a receiver you want, and the front 2 or 3 speakers, then add the Sub then the surrounds.

I still suggest the Marantz for $599 then add either Polk Monitor 60s, or TSi400 (they are the same speakers) with a CS2 center $450 so total of $1050 roughtly,

OR

the Energy C-500s with the C-C100 $529 so total of about $1130

These will both give you good bass extention so you may not need a sub right away, and then wont have upset neighbors.
Polks are good speakers, they, IMHO, play to the highs, seem to be a little exaggerated, but are good, reliable speakers. Better for movies then music, IMO
Energys are a warmer speaker, play to the mids with accurate highs and good deep bass. Energys are great for music and movies
Marantz is usually considered a High End receiver line, When they say that the receiver puts out 90 watts per channel 7 channels driven, you will be getting 90 wpc, not 45 like some other MFGs do.

Then save and add the sub and surrounds later.

[McLoki]

I have to say - if you are on a budget at all, buying used is the way to go. (at least for your speakers)

I picked up a pair of classic monitor 10 speakers that will blow away most $300-$400 speakers made today from a local Goodwill store for $24. Not all deals work out that well, but you can usually save about 1/2 off retail by buying used. It sure makes the budget go further.....

Michael

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by GuitarGuyBMG

Thanks for the opinion guys. I would rather save up a little longer and do things right the first time.

I also have had a bad experience buying refurbished units. I bought a refurbished Pioneer AVIC-Z2 for my Mustang for a website and they sent me a AVIC-Z1. I ordered it for Christmas and I ended up getting the right unit on March 17th.

I just like having the piece of mind from dealing with a reputable dealer.

Accessories4less.com is a reputable dealer.....

You didn't have a problem with a Refurb. product..... you had a problem with a crappy retailer