Home Theater Speakers Comparison

Home Theater Speakers Comparison

Home Theater Speakers Comparison

Best Home Theater System: Shop Around

It's a jungle out there, especially when it comes to the wonderful world of electronics and electronics components. The competition is fierce among industry leaders and there are wide gaps in prices and quality from which to choose. Even among the private sector there are such variances in price and quality that it is difficult for most to make truly informed decisions when purchasing a surround sound system or a home theater.

One of the best things you can do for your search is grab a few sound intensive movies, a favorite CD or two and head out to your local retail sales center for electronics. Best Buy may not always be the best place from which to buy but they generally have a good selection of surround sound systems and home theaters that you are able to test out and compare with one another. It's always a good idea to try before you buy and taking an afternoon or a Saturday to browse through your options is good investment of a day if you ask me.

By listening to the different systems you can get a feel for the features that you prefer, those you don't care much for one way or another, and those you would rather do without. This list will be extremely valuable when it comes time to narrow down the systems you would like to further investigate from those that simply aren't best suited for your music and sound requirements. There is nothing wrong with identifying what you want and making efforts to get it. In fact, it's a savvy decision on your part if you ask me.

Once you have a list of the systems you like and a few reasons why you like each system it's time to begin comparing prices. The Internet is probably the best way to do this. You can use prices that compare prices among major competitors and see what others are charging for these items in comparison with what your local stores are charging. If you are feeling up to bargaining you can try to arrange for your local store to match the online price. This works with some stores and not with others. It's a toss up even with the larger chain stores as to whether or not they will acknowledge prices received online as a 'competitors' price in order to meet it. It's worth a shot if you prefer the convenience of shopping locally; otherwise if the best price is online (even after shipping and insurance) then your best bet is to make the purchase online.

There is no magic formula when it comes to purchasing home theater and surround sound equipment other than to make sure you are pleased with the quality of the merchandise. If you listened and made notations about your likes and dislikes, chances are that you have just purchased a sound system that you like, which means you should be thrilled with the fantastic sounds coming out of your brand new speakers for quite a while to come. Taking your time in the beginning in order to make sure you get the system you really want and will be happy with is well worth the wait when compared to the price you pay for haste and purchasing a system with an inferior quality of sound.

Speaker buying help for Home Theater?


Anyone know of a good speaker website for Home Theater systems? I have a couple Yamaha bookshelf speakers I bought in 1996 that sound good, but I'm looking to upgrade and get a full system. I would prefer them to be small enough to wall-mount, but they need to sound good. I've always liked the sound of Infinity, but don't have much for comparison. My bro likes his JBL's and my dad likes Bose. A friend has B&W, which I think is a little higher end. Any suggestions?

Your instinct is right. The Infinity Primus speakers are a really good deal on eBay. You aren't going to get much bass out of a bookshelf no matter what, but check in to the P162. If you'd like some bass, I suggest the P362s, but it's up to your personal preference. Either way, a subwoofer should be used to capture the lower notes that are just as necessary as the mid range and highs.

Check out the links.

By the way, I'm quite plugged in to the home theater world, and for the price range of under $300, the Infinity is considered the best bang for the buck.

Boss is severely overpriced and will be outperformed by speakers costing 1/5 of it's price. JBL is considered OK, but is beat out by Infinity. Again, this is the general overall consensus. B&W is good, but there is better for the price. Most of the reasons companies like Boss and B&W sell so well is because they are household names. If you are looking for hi end sound then I suggest the SVS M line. Fantastic sound quality. The tweeter alone retails for $220 a piece. At $799 a pair, it is practically a steal. Please bare in mind that many $1,000 pair of speakers can use a $30 tweeter. The SVS tweeter is a Scan-Speak tweeter from Denmark that is used in $10,000+ speakers and is very new technology compared to most other tweeters. The peerless woofer is also very well respected.

Remember, all speakers are is drivers, crossovers, cabinets and good design. Some are overpriced and some aren't. The Infinity Primus happen to have very high quality drivers as well and getting them for under retail just sweetens the deal. They just cost less than 1/4 of the price of the SVS speakers, but then again you get what you pay for.

Onkyo HT-S6300 7.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver and Speaker Package with iPod Dock
Onkyo HT-S6300 7.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver and Speaker Package with iPod Dock
List Price: $749.00
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Description

If you’re looking to flesh out your movies, games, and music with lifelike, full-blooded surround sound, look no further than the HT-S6300. Think: quality on a budget. This feature-packed system sports four of the latest HDMI 1.4a inputs to handle your Blu-ray player and other high-definition devices. Non-HD video sources, meanwhile, can be upscaled to spectacular widescreen 1080p via HDMI and Faroudja DCDi Cinema. HDMI 1.4a is compatible with upcoming 3D video content and enables a handy Audio Return Channel from your display’s tuner back to the receiver. Audio processing on the HT-S6300 includes the “in the studio” realism of DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD; Dolby Pro Logic IIz for ambient height channels; Audyssey room-correction and equalization technologies; and four proprietary DSP modes to match your gaming content. Other Onkyo exclusives include a Universal Port for peripherals such as the included Dock for iPhone/iPod, and a new overlaid graphical on-screen display. So go ahead. Immerse yourself in Onkyo.

If you're looking to flesh out your movies, games, and music with lifelike, full-blooded surround sound, look no further than the HT-S6300. This feature-packed receiver sports four of the latest HDMI 1.4a inputs to handle your Blu-ray player and other high-definition devices. Non-HD video sources, meanwhile, can be upscaled to spectacular widescreen 1080p via HDMI and Faroudja DCDi Cinema. The special Onkyo HT-S6300 package with complete 7.1-channel surround sound speaker set and iPod/iPhone dock. This special HT-S6300 package also includes a 7.1-channel surround sound speaker set, which includes one subwoofer, one center channel speaker, and six satellite speakers. It also includes a Dock for iPhone/iPod. HDMI 1.4a is compatible with upcoming 3D video content and enables a handy Audio Return Channel from your display's tuner back to the receiver. Audio processing on the HT-S6300 includes the "in the studio" realism of DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD; Dolby Pro Logic IIz for ambient height channels; Audyssey room-correction and equalization technologies; and four proprietary DSP modes to match your gaming content. Key Features DTS-HD Master Audio DTS-HD Audio delivers sound quality that matches the clear and vivid images of high-definition video. Blu-ray and HD-DVD discs deliver five times the video resolution of standard DVD and produce images with stunning realism. But that's only half of the story. You need incredible sound to complete the high definition experience and DTS-HD Audio provides the highest quality multi-channel sound possible. Movies come alive with sound as lifelike as the picture, and music becomes as real as a live performance. Faroudja DCDi CINEMA The Faroudja name is synonymous with high-quality video processing. The Faroudja technologies incorporated into our 2008 A/V receiver range give you the power to bring out the best from both high-definition and standard-definition video content. The Faroudja DCDi Edge video processor converts interlaced video signals to progressive scan signals and effectively eliminates video artifacts from HDTV images. The Faroudja DCDi Cinema video processor is a more sophisticated version that drastically reduces video noise without sacrificing image quality and sharpness. Both processors can scale standard-definition sources up to 1080i--and DCDi Cinema can additionally upscale to 1080p--for output to HDTVs. Rear of the HT-S6300 (see larger image). Powered Zone 2 By dedicating a pair of channels on receivers with this capability, you don't need an external amplifier to enjoy an independent stereo audio source in a remote room. For example, on higher-end models this allows for a full 5.1 channel movie to be enjoyed in the home theater, while simultaneously sending a song from a CD (or other source) to speakers in another room. Audyssey Audio Correction Technology Audyssey 2EQ for Room Acoustic Correction: Tailors multichannel audio for your home theater by correcting problems both in frequency response and in the time domain (where most of the problems lie) for a clear, precise, and natural sound. Audyssey Dynamic Volume: Maintains the desired listening level for all content while optimizing the dynamic range. Audyssey Dynamic EQ for Loudness Correction: Solves the problem of deteriorating sound quality at lower volumes. HD Radio Ready Enjoy the crisp clear sound of HD Radio by connecting the optional UP-HT1 module on u-Port capable Onkyo models. What's in the Box Onkyo HT-S6300, one subwoofer, one center channel speaker, six satellite speakers, iPod/iPhone dock, remote control (with batteries), operating instructions Specifications Output power: 1200W total system power (130W x 7 channels, plus 290W subwoofer power) Dolby decoder: TrueHD, DD Plus, PLIIz DTS decoder: DTS-HD Master Audio, HD-High Resolution Audio, NEO:6 iPod/iPhone ready: UP-A1 dock for iPod included U-port: Yes HD radio: via optional UP-HT1 Receiver dimensions: 17-1/8 x 5-15/16 x 12-15/16 inches (WxHxD) Subwoofer dimensions: 10-13/16 x 19-15/16 x 16-3/16 inches (WxHxD) Center channel dimensions: 11-7/16 x 4-13/16 x 4-7/16 inches (WxHxD) Satellite dimensions: 4-3/4 x 11-7/16 x 4 inches (WxHxD) Warranty: 2 years, limited Video Connections HDMI (1.4a): 4 input, 1 audio output Component (Y/Pb/Pr): 2 input, 1 output Composite (AV): 4 input, 1 output Audio Connections Analog audio: 6 input, 2 output Digital audio: 2 optical input, 2 coaxial input

Features

  • 7.1-channel home theater system with receiver, subwoofer, center channel speaker, and six satellite speakers
  • 1200 watts of total power (130W x 7 channels plus 290W subwoofer)
  • Four 1080p capable HDMI inputs (V1.4a) supporting 3D video and Audio Return Channel
  • 1080p scaling via Faroudja DCDi Cinema
  • WRAT technology and discrete amp construction for cleaner sound
Bose® CineMate® GS Series II Digital Home Theater Speaker System
Bose® CineMate® GS Series II Digital Home Theater Speaker System
Sale Price: $799.00
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Description

The Bose® CineMate® GS II speaker system is the easiest way to enjoy Bose 2.1-channel home theater performance and bring out the full audio potential of your HDTV. Proprietary TrueSpace® technology enables two Gemstone® speakers and an Acoustimass® module to deliver compelling sound for movies, games, sports and more. The system easily connects directly to your TV, avoiding the need to disconnect other sources. And with no rear speakers, there's no wiring to the back of your room. A programmable universal remote control simplifies operation of other connected sources. A sound upgrade for your home theater needs The CineMate GS II system represents a quality home theater upgrade to complement your HDTV. Two powerful Gemstone speakers flank your TV and put you in the middle of dramatic home theater sound. You'll experience a level of realism that simply cannot be matched by TV speakers alone.A hideaway Acoustimass module provides the low frequency effects that make movies and games so compelling. It even includes dedicated bass control. Place the module in a corner or out of view--all the sound seems to come from the compact speakers. Together, the speakers and Acoustimass module provide full depth and clarity for your music, too. Simplified setup Setting up a CineMate GS II system is a quick exercise, with only a few wires to connect. It hooks up directly to your TV with minimal-if any-disruption to existing component connections. A small interface module houses your audio input from the TV and displays on/off status for your system. And it's all controlled with a programmable universal remote that works seamlessly with most video components attached to your television. What's in the box --2 Gemstone speakers --Acoustimass module --Interface module --Universal remote control and batteries --Stereo cable (6') --Speaker cable (15') --Optical cable (6')

Features

  • 2.1-channel speaker system with premium Gemstone® speakers, improved digital acoustic performance
  • Designed to enhance the audio from your TV and existing video sources
  • Universal remote controls system and most components connected to your TV
  • Simplified setup, with only a few connections to make. Ideal for small- to medium-sized rooms.
Sony SS-B1000 5 1/8-Inch  Bookshelf Speakers (Pair)
Sony SS-B1000 5 1/8-Inch Bookshelf Speakers (Pair)
List Price: $80.00
Sale Price: $49.00
You save: $31.00 (39%)
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Description

Enjoy your favorite music in any room of the house with quality sound from the SS-B1000 performance bookshelf speakers. With 120 watts of power and an advanced woofer and tweeter design, they deliver high-resolution audio so you hear the music just as it was recorded.

Features

  • Newly developed 5.25" H.O.P. cone woofer
  • 1" nano-fine balanced dome tweeter
  • 120-Watt maximum input power
  • 80-50,000Hz frequency response Impedance: 8 Ohms
  • 1-year limited warranty
Onkyo TX-SR608  7.2-Channel Home Theater Receiver (Black)
Onkyo TX-SR608 7.2-Channel Home Theater Receiver (Black)
List Price: $599.00
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Description

Sure, we call it an "entry-level" A/V receiver. But when you witness the full potential of the TX-SR608, you'll know the level you're entering is far beyond the ordinary. For a start, you get six of the latest HDMI 1.4 inputs for simple hook-up of all your high-def sources. HDMI 1.4 also brings compatibility with the new 3D video format, as well as an Audio Return Channel from your display back to the receiver. Complementing HDMI on the input front, you have an analog RGB video input for connecting your PC, and a Universal Port for Onkyo peripherals. All video sources, regardless of resolution, can be upscaled to big and beautiful 1080p via HDMI and Faroudja DCDi Cinema. Audio processing incorporates quality Burr-Brown DACs, lossless Dolby and DTS codecs, and the expanded surround formats of Audyssey DSX and Dolby Pro Logic IIz. Three-stage inverted Darlington circuitry and jitter cleaning technology work to ensure extremely precise and faithful amplification. In recognition of the TX-SR608's outstanding A/V prowess, it has been awarded THX Select2 Plus Certification.

Features

  • 100 Watts per Channel at 8 Ohms, 20 Hz¿20 kHz, 0.08%, 2 Channels Driven, FTC
  • THX Select2 Plus Certified
  • HDMI (Version 1.4 to Support 3D and Audio Return Channel) with Deep Color, x.v.Color, LipSync, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio
  • HDMI Video Upscaling to 1080p with Faroudja DCDi Cinema
  • Audio and 1080p Video Processing via HDMI (1 Front/ 5 Rear Inputs and 1 Output)
Polk Audio RC85i 2-Way In-Wall Speakers (Pair, White)
Polk Audio RC85i 2-Way In-Wall Speakers (Pair, White)
List Price: $449.95
Sale Price: $149.99
You save: $299.96 (67%)
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Description

A pair of paintable White speakers for in-wall installation / Rotating, Aimable Tweeters / 14"H x 10"W x 2-7/8"D

The Polk Audio RC85i 2-way In-wall Speaker delivers incredible sound to any room in your home without using any floor or shelf space. The RC85i is easy to install, requiring only that you cut a hole, feed the wires through, and simply drop the speaker in where it is held in place by rotating cams that safely secure the speaker with no extra assembly or mess. Once installed, the paintable grille and flange allows this in-wall speaker to virtually disappear in the room. Polk Audio RC85i in-wall speakers in white. The Polk RC85i utilizes an eight-inch dynamic-balance, mineral filled polymer-composite cone with a rubber surround that outlasts cheaper foam surrounds, as well as a one-inch dynamic-balance, metalized soft dome tweeter with a swivel mount. The swivel-mounted tweeter is aimable for direct high frequency control that ensures spacious imaging with amazing clarity, and well-balanced sound in any listening position, even off-axis listening positions, rather than in just a small sweet spot. Constructed of durable, moisture resistant materials, the RC85i is safe for use in bathrooms, kitchens, saunas, or even under outdoor eaves, and features a wide-dispersion design for even sound-coverage throughout even large rooms. The RC85i also features infinite baffle tuning which uses the virtual enclosure of in-wall space for superior bass response, and is timbre-matched to the Polk Audio Monitor Series for seamless, enveloping imaging when used in a home theater system. What's in the Box RC85i speakers (pair), 2 grilles, cardboard template, owner's manual, and registration card.

Features

  • Pair of 2-way in-wall speakers timbre-matched to the Polk Audio RTi Series for seamless imaging
  • Equipped with one 8-inch dynamic-balance, mineral filled polymer-composite cone
  • Frequency response: 30Hz - 20kHz
  • Equipped with one 1-inch dynamic-balance, metalized soft dome tweeter with 15-degree-swivel mount
  • Constructed of durable, moisture-resistant materials for use in bathrooms, saunas, or under outdoor eaves
Polk Audio CS10 Center Channel Speaker (Single, Black)
Polk Audio CS10 Center Channel Speaker (Single, Black)
List Price: $199.98
Sale Price: $117.98
You save: $82.00 (41%)
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Description

Polk Audio has once again raised the standard for great sounding speakers that also offer incomparable value. The new TSi Series takes entry-level component speaker pricing and gives the audio/home theater buff a lot of Polk Audio for the money. The TSi Series was designed to be highly efficient, so they can be driven easily by unpretentious receivers, and they’re voice-matched for lifelike surround sound environments. The new TSi Series’ contemporary look was inspired by our top-of-the-line CS10 Series and designed to work with today’s most stylish televisions and electronic components.

Unlike the electronics, your speakers won't go out of date, so bring out the most in your entertainment experience with Polk TSi Series. A great match to the TSi Series, the Polk Audio CS10 center channel speaker--the most important speaker in surround sound--is smaller than its sibling CS20, but still sounds just as good. And it has an angled top allowing you to invert the speaker and place it below your TV--directing sound towards the listening area. The TSi Series and the CS10 were designed to be highly efficient, so they can be driven easily by unpretentious receivers, and they're voice-matched for lifelike surround sound environments. This speaker in black measures 6-1/2 by 20 x 9-3/4 inches (HxWxD). The Polk Audio CS10 center channel speaker in black (see larger image). Key Features Quality built cabinets. The cabinet is extensively braced from MDF with 3/4-inch thick baffles. Cheaper speakers will use other material such as particle board which is flimsy, robbing you of good sound. With pewter accents, a piano black top accents and removable black grille, the CS10 looks awesome. High efficiency design. Compatible with practically all electronics, these are speakers that produce sound that's open, spacious and clear, even when driven by modestly-powered amplifiers and receivers. No matter if you just bought a new digital surround receiver, or are hooking up this CS10 or TSi Series speakers to vintage electronics, they will still sound great. Narrow baffle geometry. Bringing the best of both worlds- narrow baffle geometry is a design that creates a sleek looking speaker with slick sound. First the high quality cabinet is slender (less than one square foot) and tucks away easily in your room. The smaller-diameter speaker components are lighter in mass, translating to clearer sound.

Features

  • Center channel speaker in black; recommended amplification of 20-125 watts/channel
  • Angled top allows you to invert the speaker and place it below your TV
  • Equipped with two 5.25-inch diameter bi-laminate organic fiber cone woofers; 1-inch silk/polymer composite Dynamic Balance dome tweeter
  • Magnetically shielded for safe placement near other entertainment equipment
  • Measures 6-1/2 by 20 x 9-3/4 inches (HxWxD)
Monster Standard THX-Certified Speaker Cable (100 Feet)
Monster Standard THX-Certified Speaker Cable (100 Feet)
List Price: $34.95
Sale Price: $32.31
You save: $2.64 (8%)
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Description

Monster Standard THX-Certified Speaker Cable - 100 ft. 16ga. Speaker Cable

Features

  • For Hookup of Home Theater Speaker to A/V Receiver or Amplifier
  • Delivers the full dynamic range of movie soundtracks.
  • Generous length for optimum speaker placement in normal size room.
  • More power transfer than ordinary ?free in the box? cables.
  • Meets minimum THX certification standards for proper system performance, reliability and ease of installation.
Yamaha YHT-S400BL Front Surround Unique Home Theater Package (Black)
Yamaha YHT-S400BL Front Surround Unique Home Theater Package (Black)
List Price: $599.95
Sale Price: $449.00
You save: $150.95 (25%)
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Description

Yamaha YHT-S400BL Front Surround Unique Home Theater Package In Black

Features

  • Subwoofer-Integrated receiver allows one-cable connection
  • World's slimmest soundbard (2 inches) can be placed in from of most TVs
  • Digital built in amplifier
  • Yamaha's exclusive AIR SURROUND XTREME
  • UniVolume keeps volume during TV programs and commercials at the same level
Pioneer VSX-1120-K 7.1 Home Theater Receiver
Pioneer VSX-1120-K 7.1 Home Theater Receiver
List Price: $749.00
Sale Price: Too low to display
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Description

Key Features are I20 Watts x 7 – (20Hz – 20kHz @ 8 ohm w/ .08%THD) It has a 7 Channel Direct Energy Configurable Amplifier with Surround Back. Dolby Pro-logic IIz or B Speaker, THX Select 2 Plus Certified, Dolby True-HD / DTS-HD Master Audio, Advanced MCACC with 9 Band EQ , PQLS – Multi-Channel, Auto Level Control – Multi-Channel, Sound Retriever AIR – Multi- channel . It has a Internet Radio. It supports iPod Digital USB / USB Memory Audio, HDMI 1.4 (6 In / 2 out), 3-D and Audio return Channel, Dual HDMI Output, front HDMi In Marvell I080p Video Scaler. Analog to HDMi Video Conversion. It has HDMI to HDMI 1080p Scaling. Component Video (2 in / 1 out). Full Color GUI. It has PC Control with Multi-Zone A/V Pre-out. 9.1 Channel Pre-outs, RS-232 & Detacheable Power and Learning Remote Control

Features

  • "Works with iPhone" certification and front USB connectivity provide iPod, touch
  • Simple connectivity of high-performance HD video, HD audio, portable, internet, wireless
  • The latest version of HDMI inputs and outputs provide more HD connectivity options with "future-proof" 3-D capability
  • 1080p video conversion and upscaling ensures the highest quality video from any source--even "legacy" analog
  • High-Power Discrete Transistor multi-hannel amplifiers
Sony STR-DH810 7.1-channel A/V Receiver with 7 HD Inputs [3D Compatible]
Sony STR-DH810 7.1-channel A/V Receiver with 7 HD Inputs [3D Compatible]
Sale Price: Too low to display
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Description

Take your HD surround sound experience to new heights with the STR-DH810 A/V receiver. Offering an abundance of connectivity options (4 HDMI, 3 component), you will have room for all your components including a Blu-ray player, PS3 system, DVD player and more. And with DVD upscaling via HDMI you can watch DVDs in near HD quality. This 7.1-channel receiver has LPCM, Dolby trueHD and dts-HD decoding technologies for audio that is true to the original master recording. The STR-DH810 features wireless 2nd zone audio capabilities, which allows you transmit wireless audio in up to 10 additional rooms via optional S-AIR accessories. Additional features include Audio Return Channel which eliminates the need for extra cables connected to your TV, and standby pass-through that lets you access all of your HDMI connected devices without having to power on the receiver.

Features

  • 7.1-channel A/V receiver with 110 watts per channel
  • 7 HD video inputs (4 HDMI, 3 component)
  • Upconvert/Upscale from analog to 1080p via HDMI
  • Dolby TrueHD and dts HD enhanced audio codecs
  • Wireless 2nd Zone audio (S-AIR multi-room capability)
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Monday, April 19th, 2010 Uncategorized

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