My advice would be to start with a pair of something decent within your price range, such as B&W 303 (my favorite) or Paradigm or whatever sounds good to you for your mains. Use whatever used speakers you can get your hands on, borrow, steal, whatever, as surrounds and center. Or go without a center.

As money becomes available in the future, add new matching speakers as surrounds, or maybe something bigger and better as mains, and move the mains to surround.

Everybody thinks I have a killer system. I am still using 15 year old Boston A40s as my surrounds, with one woofer not working. I only just bought a subwoofer this weekend, a used SVS, and I built my center channel from scratch. (except of course the drivers). My mains are 14yo Spica TC-50s.

My speakers are cobbled together, but it all sounds great, better than most of the demos I hear of the lower priced stuff in the stores, and this stuff will still cost >$1000.

As for DIY, if you have any woodworking tools and skills, it may be a good way to go, if you can wait for the results. I had to buy most of my tools to build my center, but now they're waiting to be used again. Maybe I'll build new surrounds. The results far surpass what you would get new for the same money. You really can build some high-end type equipment.

Yes, the 950 is for home theater, (in the sense of what a receiver does for DVD) but if you've never owned separates
(..cuse this answer if you have)
the 950 requires separate amplification to run it. The 950’s are raved about for excellent HT surround sound presentation. The only problem is, - you mentioned a 500 splurge for the 1050. So right now with your very nice display upgrade (the RCA) it would prob. bust your budget to look at the 950 where you also have to come up with the separate amplifiers. You would have to buy a 5 channel amp (if your subwoofer is powered) or the 770, 7 channels of power. Or mix and match monoblocks and 2-channel amps etc you have around or can acquire, - to power it.
Then you have very amazing Home Theater Surround Sound and can upgrade as it suits you to running 7 speakers and 1 Sub.


[This message has been edited by Smart Little Lena (edited June 11, 2002).]

Mike: I agree with those that like JBL for reasonably priced speakers. If you're looking for a 5.1 small satellite speaker/sub set up, there is the JBL SCS135SI 5.1 system - but you can go one level better to get an SCS150SI set up. The satellites are a bit larger and the sub is more powerful. I almost went that way before deciding to spend a few more bucks for a different system. You can get the SCS150SI online for $350-$400. Check out jbl.com.

Mike,

Since you have not indicated a speaker budget these are just a few suggestions and info sources about speakers in a moderate price range that appear to be generally well regarded value speakers.

I have gotten some great deals from the folks at www.accessories4less.com They are a factory closeout dealer for Acoustic Research brand speakers and Marantz audio, generally around 40% off new retail prices, Speakers include full 5 yr. factory wty.
AR-3's are 3 way towers and have built in 12" powered subs, AR-15's for rear surrounds, AR-2c center.
Around 2200.oo

You might check this web site out for several other suggestion and price ranges. (Lower - Higher)
http://www.cheaphometheater.com = CHT
Swan Diva's = CHT recommendation
http://www.cheaphometheater.com/Swan%20Diva%20Surround%20System.htm
Around 1500.oo and then add a sub 750.oo ?

PSB Image series (Yahoo stores) Many full PSB 5.1 packages in the 2k - 2.5k range.

Klipsch and Boston Acoustic sub and small satellite systems = BOSE killers.
Around 1500.oo

Mission speakers / Mid price value

New Polk LSi series
5.1 system 4000.00 (3k - sub)
http://www.onhometheater.com/product/20020215.htm

Here is a nice source for professional reviews of speakers, from lower to very high end
http://www.ecoustics.com/Home/Home_Audio/Speakers/

For owner product reviews try this website.
www.audioreview.com

Something else well worth looking for !
When mfr's roll out a newer series and discontinue an older line, dealers will sometimes slash prices and offer some great deals to clear out their older inventory.
Also when dealers drop a brand line.


Certainly demo and compare with sound material you know.
Your speakers will probably have the greatest impact on your overall sound.

I guess inexpensive is kinda relative in audio. Considering that you can spend many times the cost of some of these suggestions just for your front main speakers.

B&W Nautilus 800 flagship speakers 20k pr.
http://www.wegivesoundadvice.com/sndadv ...ID=538&CATID=15

One of these days I may win the Lottery.

Good luck with your shopping.

Steve




[This message has been edited by Steve_C (edited June 12, 2002).]

Steve_c is right. I got a pair of JBL HLS-610's. JBL stopped making them and Best Buy was selling them for $80/pair! They were widley praised and listed new at $300/pair. So I feel I got a very good deal and I love the speakers. Good Luck!

has anyone tried out the onix Rockets with the 1050? i'm realling considering taking the plunge, and was planning on getting the Diva's. unfortunately, the diva's are having legal troubles, and AV123 is switching over to the rockets.

i wonder how these guys sound with the 1050's?

http://www.rocketloudspeakers.com/

psklenar is running a pair of RS750's on his 1050 now, and he's been running them for a couple weeks or so now. His 1050 is set up two-channel only, so he's not using a Rocket center or surrounds. It sounds like he's quite pleased with them.

------------------
gonk -- Saloon Links | Pre/Pro Comparison Chart | 950 Review

I'm kindof in the same position as Mike: I want to get into the highly addictive world of audio, but am temporarily hampered by a tight budget. You all mentioned very good speakers for the buck, except for one of the best known: Swan Divas. My question is: do they sound as good as they look? I could definitely afford a pair of those with a 1050.

If you are looking for a good pair of main speakers with a sub, try nOrh. (www.norh.com) I have the 1050 with nOrh 4.0's all around with an SVS sub. For the amount of money that i spent, i have a wonderful setup. I know people that have spent over 10 grand on their setup and tell me that my stereo sounds better, the sound stage and imaging of the speakers are very impressive. i highly reccoment them.

Hi everyone. I just happened upon this thread...

I work for AV123, the company the sells the Diva and Rocket Loudspeakers by Onix. I didn't always though. I'm actually a Diva customer that has crossed the battle lines.

I own 6.1s + C3 + 2.1s (purchased in August '01) as well as every Rocket model (was a beta tester before joining the team)

I also am a happy owner of an ICBM and have a 950 and 770 on order.

Anyway, getting to the point...if anyone has any questions in an official capacity or not, I'm here to help. Not to sell or BS or anything...just to answer questions.

I hope that's OK with everyone here

Regards,

Sean

------------------
AV123 / Perpetual Technologies
sean@av123.com