I am helping a friend set up a budget home theater system and am currently looking for ideas on speakers, preferably a package-deal, but open to all suggestions. I have heard the "Energy Take 5 + 1's" have received good reviews and retail for around $599. Any thoughts appreciated.

I've heard a lot about the NHT (Now Hear This) smaller speakers, but I don't know the prices.

Larry
www.fineelectricco.com

This message was edited by Larry Fine on 12/13/01 18:30.22.

Definatly look at the NHT line. The absolute BEST speakers for low prices. I'm not sure what they call the new lines, but the SuperOne speaker is an awesome deal! www.nhtfifi.com

I would consider the PSB Alpha's or possibly the Images (Images may be a little over budget). The PSB's are well known for getting the best bang for the buck without sacrificing quality. You can find PSB at very reasonable prices on the net.

SP

Also check out the entire line of Acoustic Research.
Preferably the Hi-Res Series (Not cheap, but not that
expensive)

Also check out the AR HC6 System which comes with every
component in one box (4 identicle satelites one center
and one sub and a pair of white gloves) they are gorgeous
Piano Black cabinents and they have received rave reviews
in the newest issue of Perfect Vision or Sound And Vision
(I can't recall which magazine it was..)

To All, I appreciate everyones input greatly and am familiar with NHT, AR, & PSB all as being highly regarded in their respective price ranges. As the appearance of the speakers is also as important as their sound in the intended application the AR's are of particular interest. Do you guys recommend any particular online retailers for the AR's & PSB's as they seem a little more difficult to find than the NHT's? I am still entertaining all possibilities, so any more suggestions or comments are greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance, A.J.

Here are 2 suggestions in the Paradigm line with a Sony WM40 subwoofer

4 atoms - 378.00 (189/pr)
Sony WM40 - 199.00
------
577.00

mini monitor mains - 339.00
atom surrounds - 189.00
Sony WM40 - 199.00
----
727.00

Paradigm prices that I've stated are list, if you find a dealer willing to negotiate you might get them for less. Also the Sony often goes on sale at Best Buy for about 150.00, you could also find a low online price and try to get Sears to price match it.

Good luck.

A.J,

I purchased my AR9's in Black Ash (Retail $999.00/pair)
from www.bestpriceaudiovideo.com for $550.00 + S&H.

These are A Stock not refurbs or damaged goods. Be aware
though that on large towers shipping is pricey. To ship
from Ohio to PA was $83.00 (65Lbs per tower)

Or you could always go the Sub/Satelite only approach
and pick up 4 AR15 BookShelf's an AR4C Center and a good
sub and some speaker stands..

Or you could go with the HC6 System. I honestly need to
go out and listen to these as I have heard good things.
I won't be trading my AR9's in anytime soon, but I may
just buy an HC6 system later for the bedroom.. Who knows.. :)

Brett DiMiechele, I just looked at AR's HC6 System online at their web site (acoustic-research.com) and at 800.com (for $699 which also includes a $75 in-store-coupon effectively bringing the price down to $624!) and must say they are absolutely gorgeous!! I need to find somewhere local to hear them and maybe buy them as shipping to my area (Seattle, WA) could be cost prohibitive, unless I find somewhere online with a "free shipping" deal. If you get a chance to hear them/critique them any time soon let me know what you think, because if they sound as good as they look they are definitely one heck-of-a-deal!!

Definitely look into Paradigm speakers, amazing sound for the price, I am currently using atoms, micros, monitor 90Ps and the new cinema 2 way system which I highly recommend for smaller room set-ups (the PDR 8 is a decent sub for its size and price). give em a listen I'm sure you will be surprized!

A.J.-
As the owner of the Acoustic Research HC6 set, they come with major accolades. Especially if you do your homework...

The setup is a complete 5.1 system: 4 compact satellites (5.5 lbs each), the center channel (9.3 lbs), and the LFE (Sub). High gloss black finish (like a piano). MSRP is $799 for the entire system, however, they sell (on the web, anyway) for $499. With a little more digging, however, they can be had for $399 (if you need more info, email me).

Read Tom Miiller's review in the Perfect Vision...

I literally bought them sight unseen (based on the review - the folks at The PV really are good) simply because the price was so outrageously inexpensive. I knew that I could sell them if I didn't like them. As it turns out, they are a PERFECT match for my Denon AVR-2802. My HT setup does not have a lot of space for larger speakers (my room is 12'X 15'). With the money I saved I bought a couple different models of adjustable height speaker stands (by Furniture Works - the RC1 for the rears and the AH300 for the fronts)

Now if I could only figure out how to program my Denon remote for my TV I'd be all set!

Good Luck!

gill, I am definitely interested in anything else you might have to say about AR's HC6 system (more on the review, $399 price etc...) so look for my email shortly. blurb 18, I just auditioned some of Paradigm's "monitor series" (cc370, mini monitors, PDR8) at "Definitive Audio" in Seattle and was very impressed! Being that these run a little beyond our current price range though, we would most likely have to consider their "performance series" (Micro, Atom, Titan, etc.) and may return to audition those as they were not set up at the time (any more opinions on these would be appreciated). So far though-- based on the price, rave reviews, and beautiful finish-- the Acoustic Research HC6 system sounds almost to good to pass up. Thanks again, A.J.