New Speakers, not computer

[Furius92]

I am looking to upgrade my current stereo system. I'll be getting a free amp and pre-amp from my uncle, high quality gear. I have two floor standing 150 watt speakers that I am keeping, plus two bookshelf 50 watt speakers that I am going to move, so I need to replace those.

So, I am looking for two, 50 watt or above, 2 or 3 way, bookshelf speakers. I know JBL is good, but I am looking to keep the cost below $200 for a pair. I also don't want lots of mid-range, and JBL has great high-end, but I need good low-end as well.

Basically, I don't need the exact model, but I need the name of a company that will have good high end low range sound, with a good price tag. Just the name of the company really, and then I can go compare it to other speakers; I don't want to go into the store and listen to every set of speakers they have.

Thanks guys, I didn't really know where else to turn since the last time my father bought speakers he got two bookshelf (Technics I think) speakers for $1000. Truly great speakers, way ahead of their time 20 years ago, but he isn't totally in the game anymore of which company is good for what.

Edit: My father's speakers are Visonik, dunno where I got Technics from...

[Statica]

I personally prefer Bose. Unbelievable sound, but of course they have a high price tag.

[wireant]

Pick up a copy of Sound & Vision, Guide to Home Theater, or Audio Video Interiors and look through the adds. Some high-end brands include Energy, Paradigm, Infinity, Polk, Yamaha, Klipsch... There are plenty more, but you can try these and see if you find any within your price range. Another brand to look at is KLH. They are not hi-fi, but are pretty good and cheap. Also, try going to a place like Best Buy or an A/V store and listenig to speakers that you want.

[Furius92]

I've found some speakers, Polk R15. They have a 100 watt handling capacity, and are supposedly pretty good for the $140 (pair) price tag that I can get them for. I am planning on going to listen to them in the store, has anyone here used these? Impressions? Thanks

[wireant]

I forgot to tell you - try audioreview.com for consumer reviews. Some of the listings are pretty old so just pay attention to them. Just like computer components, I would also search the web and the magazines I listed above for reviews.

[audiyoda]

I'm not a huge fan of Polk's lower-end series of speakers. The LSi series is fantasitc, but the R series -- a lot to be desired especially in the lower end.

For the money, I don't think you can top the JBL N26II -- absolutley outstanding sound from highs to lows. Same basic specs as the Polk speakers, but I think you'll get much better low end out of them without losing any highs.

-Craig

[glc]

Speakers are the only audio components that you have to LISTEN to - specs are almost meaningless. Everyone's ears are different and everyone has different tastes.

[Furius92]

Yes I plan on doing so glc, but I don't want to go into the store not knowing what is good and what isn't. I mean, I'm sure I can tell really bad speakers from decent speakers, but I also want a few good brands. Companies that make decent speakers, then I can listen to them and decide if I like them.

I think I am currently looking at the JBL N26II, in addition to other speakers at the same price range, plus I will be buying a Sony 5-disc CD changer, for $100. About $300 plus tax for a much better stereo system. What I am using now is an Aiwa "all-in-one" player, with two separate speakers taht came with it. I mean the sort of the thing with the CD player, tape decks and the integrated amp in one piece, then two speakers that are not attached. Going from that to a real stereo system, with no integrated amps and a separate CD player will be a huge improvement.

[CaptTuna]

In the long run it is better to overspend on your speakers. Even the best components will sound crappy on lesser quality speakers.
I have a set of Polk Audio SDA bookshelf speakers that are 15 years old and they still sound as good aas they did new. The tuner/reciever has been replaced, but the speakers are doing just fine.
Another important feature is where you will be placing the speakers. What sounds fine in the showroom may not sound as good in your home.
Good luck in your search.

[audiyoda]

Originally posted by Furius92 ...plus I will be buying a Sony 5-disc CD changer, for $100...

Have you considered a DVD changer? Roughly $50 more will get you a changer that most likely will also have a mp3 decoder. If you go that route, check the Toshiba SD-2805 -- great unit from a company that doesn't know how to make a bad DVD player.

-Craig

[Furius92]

Mmm great idea, thanks. I'll get that instead, I've been wanting a DVD player for my TV near my computer for a while. While this will be mostly hooked up to my stereo system, which is not oriented for my TV, I can easily move a few things and hook it up; I don't watch DVDs all that much anyway. Thanks