Inexpensive 5.1 system - demoing now!

[prerich]

This is the first part of a review for a new set of speakers that I have bought for my bedroom. The speakers are the Gale HT405.1 sub/sat system. Here are my initial impressions on the build

Retail cost: $1000.00 MSRP
Street: $299.00 - 550.00
AA sale: $99.00

The sats have a little weight to them, and seem well constructed - they do get negitive points for push/pin speaker connectors. They get bonus points however for having speaker brackets and all the supporting hardware (anchors, screws, and the bracket itself (x5) ). The sats are also a legitimate two way speaker system, they contain a 1 inch tweeter and a 2 1/2 inch midrange. The sub is an 8 inch model, fairly sturdy, variable crossover control (50-150), phase switch,comes with feet and - get this, carpet spikes! Yes carpet spikes with a set of speakers that cost only $99.00 .

Normally I go for older speakers of rugged build, but I couldn't resist the opprotunity to buy a potential Bose killer. The system doesn't come with speaker wire - you must supply your own - the push pins will easily accept 16 gauge wire. So far - build wise, these speakers are more than what i expect for a $99.00 "HT" setup.

Since this buy is mainly for people that want a second system in the bedroom, people that want an alternative to HTIB speakers, or for people on a strapped budget - I will use budget equipment. My equiment will include:
Sony HDMI HT Receiver
Motorola 6416-III Cable Box - DVR - attached via HDMI and Coax
Upconverting DVD Player attached via HDMI and Optical (sorry not moving my BD to the bedroom - if they can make DD and DTS sound good - they can definately do the same with BD)
26 inch LCD monitor/dvd combo unit.
Radio Shack Analog Sound Pressure Meter

I will log my sonic results tomorrow and let people know if this is the re-incarnation of the Radio Shack LX-5 Pro or, just use what you got,,,nothing to see hear