Best Budget Surround Speakers

[Michael J. Sykes]

My internet search for well-reviewed budget (i.e., about $300) surround speakers has yielded the following candidates:

1. FLUANCE SX-HTB This set of 5 speakers has been well reviewed by users of this site. Unlike the other systems, the front channel speakers of this system are larger and I think higher quality than the center and rear channel speakers.

2. INFINITY PRIMUS THEATER PACK This set includes four Primus 140 bookshelf speakers for the front and rear channels, each with a 4" midrange driver and 3/4" tweeter. The matching center channel speaker has dual 4" midrange drivers.

3. KLH PLAT-6 SURROUND SPEAKER SYSTEM Unlike the other choices, this system includes a powered subwoofer. The four satellites each have dual 3.6-inch aluminum-cone woofers and a .875-inch liquid-cooled dome tweeter; the center speaker uses 4 woofers.

If I were to add a similar quality subwoofer to the Fluance and Infinity speaker systems, which of these three systems would sound best for music and movies? Are they close in quality, or is there a clear standout? Is there another budget set of surround speakers that is superior?

Thanks!

MJS

[MarkM13]

Hi Mike,

I just went through this myself and received some very thoughtfull advice from the folks on this forum. The thread is here:
http://forums.audioreview.com/showthread.php?t=9551

One thing I can't stress enough is to go and listen to the speakers in person. Or, order from a place that has a 100% return policy. Even still, I'd go listen to a bunch so you can compair what ever you bought.

Not sure what your budget is, but after listening to a bunch, I ended up doubling my speaker funds. I ended up with a Definitive Technology system info here: http://www.definitivetech.com/ The Pro-Cinemas ( http://www.definitivetech.com/loudspeakers/procinema/procinema.html ) that I put in the back would make for a great all around HT system with one of their centers.

Also, make sure you do a search of the forum. There alot of info on some of the models that you mentioned (esp. the Fluance).

Good luck,
Mark

[bargainseeker]

I vote for three pair of Onix Rocket ELT LRS speakers in cherry (http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=32.1) (now on close out for half price) matched with a Dayton 10" subwoofer (http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=300-632).

[Michael J. Sykes]

I vote for three pair of Onix Rocket ELT LRS speakers in cherry (http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=32.1) (now on close out for half price) matched with a Dayton 10" subwoofer (http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=300-632).

Thanks for the responses so far. My searches of this site and others have yielded some additional information about the Fluance and Infinity options; is anyone familiar with the relative quality of the KLH Plat6 system?

I am interested in the option of buying 3 pair of Onix Rocket ELT speakers (which would give me one spare speaker in case I ever upgrade to a 6.1 system), even though it would be over $100 more expensive than the other options after S&H. Is it really a good idea to use one of these speakers for the center channel? Are they "magnetically shielded" for placement on or near a television?

I believe I could purchase four Infinity Primus 150 speakers and one Primus C25 center channel speaker for a bit less money. How would this system compare to 5 Onix Rocket ELT speakers?

-MJS

[bargainseeker]

I've responded to your questions in the new thread you started (http://forums.audioreview.com/showthread.php?t=9850).