Home theater speakers

[Force Flow]

I was setting up a new home theater with a LG 55" LCD HDTV and was looking for a set of 2.1 speakers to go along with it (I briefly considered 5.1, but the size of the room just wouldn't do a 5.1 set justice).

I've used a set of Logitech Z-2200's for about 8 years on my primary workstation, and have been quite happy with it.

The successor to that set seems to be the Logitech Z-263, but according to some of the specs (which seem largely incomplete), it seemed to be a fairly inferior set. A suspicion which was confirmed on the logitech forums.

So, any suggestions for alternatives?

I'd like to stick to the $100-$125 range, unless it's something really worthwhile.

Thanks

[David M]

It's tough to find a half decent subwoofer at that price range. Are you looking for a kit that comes with all three speakers?

I agree that Logitec gives you some great bang for the buck with speakers.

Would a used set be acceptable?

[Tin]

$100 to $125 range? Buy used, youll get way more bang for the buck. Whats your vicinity? Ill be more than happy to check Craigslist for you. I purchased most of my stereo gear used, save for my amp, which I built a couple years ago. I have about $1700 into it altogether, which is actually on the budget side of things compared to alot of the other stuff out there. If I bought it all retail, the price would easily be double. Heres a pic of mine. I used to have a 32" TV up on the top shelf, but moved it elsewhere since I dont watch TV much. http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y23...o/_MG_0132.jpg

[Force Flow]

I was hoping to get something new. Though, I wasn't looking for a professional system that costs $400. Good PC speakers and a sub are what I'm looking for--though something with a little more oompf than the standard tinny 7W sets.

It looks like Logitech skimped out on the new series they're selling, otherwise, I'd jump on it.

[Tin]

My advice, save your money until you can get something halfway decent. In my experience, theres no comparison between regular speakers and computer speakers. Ive owned Logitech Z2300s and upgraded to Klipsch Promedia 2.1 before I got into sound as a hobby, theyre nowhere near as good as a proper speaker. Even a lowly set of $100 bookshelf speakers will best a set of computer speakers of equal value. The key here is size. Speakers are alot like engines, theres no replacement for displacement. A larger speaker will give you more bass, more dynamics, and a bigger sound. You dont have to spend a ton of money, but youd need atleast an integrated amplifier and a pair of speakers to start. The computer speakers probably sound pretty much the same as the stock TV speakers. Power output should be close, the only difference being the subwoofer. Speaking of subwoofers, those included in computer speakers arent true subwoofers. Theyre designed with a frequency hump in the 60 to 100Hz range to give the impression of bass. In that case, it really isnt low bass, it just ends up being over emphasized,

[Force Flow]

It's not a matter of saving, it was just a matter of a reasonable amount for a set of speakers. If there's a good enough reason to spend more, then I will.

So, that said, what might you recommend?

[David M]

If you want some serious sound at a fair price..

http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-TSi...7372004&sr=1-1


Polk Audio - DSW Series Subwoofers
Amazon.com: Polk Audio DSW PRO 400 8-Inch Powered Subwoofer (Single, Black): Electronics

[Force Flow]

Yikes, I meant a little more, not $500 more

[David M]

Woops, sorry.

I like the idea of looking for used speakers on Craig's list. It's going to be hard to find some serious high quality new speakers at that price. I would imagine speakers depreciate in cost pretty fast. The technology does not change all that much over the years...not like it does for computers. On Craigslist you can go to the sellers house and listen before buying...which is a real advantage over buying new....and unheard. You might just find an audiophile who just wants to get rid of what he has for the latest and greatest speakers.

Some examples I found looking where I live...
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/ele/2811372449.html

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/ele/2811994109.html

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/ele/2766854709.html

[kunkun238_hn]

Originally Posted by Force Flow I was setting up a new home theater with a LG 55" LCD HDTV and was looking for a set of 2.1 speakers to go along with it (I briefly considered 5.1, but the size of the room just wouldn't do a 5.1 set justice). I've used a set of Home Theater Speaker's for about 8 years on my primary workstation, and have been quite happy with it. The successor to that set seems to be the Logitech Z-263, but according to some of the specs (which seem largely incomplete), it seemed to be a fairly inferior set. A suspicion which was confirmed on the logitech forums. So, any suggestions for alternatives? I'd like to stick to the $100-$125 range, unless it's something really worthwhile. Thanks

I think you should save your money until you can get something halfway decent. In my experience, theres no comparison between regular speakers and computer speakers

[jdeb]

This is the best you are going to do at that price point and they actually pretty good.

Klipsch - ProMedia 2.1 Speaker System (3-Piece) - Black - KLIPSCH PRO



Have you considered a sound bar? They are around 300.00 and I have a Samsung and I am very satisfied.

http://reviews.bestbuy.com/3545/9245...ws/reviews.htm

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Samsung+...&skuId=2052103

[Petef56]

Originally Posted by Force Flow The successor to that set seems to be the Logitech Z-263, but according to some of the specs (which seem largely incomplete), it seemed to be a fairly inferior set.

That's Z-623 (not Z-263). I have a set and am extremely satisfied. They are LOUD and more than enough BASS for my needs. I have to turn down the BASS and the volume, I keep at about 75%. I mainly use them for playing music and and along with my guitar amp which is a Vox AC4TV - 4 Watt practice amp w/10" speaker.


---pete---

[David M]

Originally Posted by jdeb This is the best you are going to do at that price point and they actually pretty good. Klipsch - ProMedia 2.1 Speaker System (3-Piece) - Black - KLIPSCH PRO Have you considered a sound bar? They are around 300.00 and I have a Samsung and I am very satisfied. Best Buy - Samsung 2.1-Ch. Home Theater Soundbar Speaker System with Wireless Subwoofer customer reviews - product reviews - read top consumer ratings Samsung - 2.1-Ch. Home Theater SoundBar System with Wireless Subwoofer - HW-D450ZA

Maybe Quartetman could tell us what kind of drinks they serve at the sound bar?