Reddit mentions of Infinity Primus Two-way 6 1/2-Inch Bookshelf/Satellite Speaker (Black, Each)

With a $600 budget you should start with a 2.0 system then, if you want, add to it as the budget replenishes to flesh it out to a full 5.1 system. With that budget I'd start with this:

Receiver $240: http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/marnr1403/marantz-nr1403-slimline-5.1-av-receiver/1.html

L/R speakers $172: http://smile.amazon.com/Infinity-Primus-Two-way-Bookshelf-Satellite/dp/B0045NCB32/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1425873281&sr=8-3&keywords=infinity+primus

This will immediately be better than any soundbar (well, other than a $1500 Martin Logan soundbar) and is high quality and flexible. When possible get this subwoofer $270: http://smile.amazon.com/NXG-Technology-NX-BAS-500-500-watt-Subwoofer/dp/B008FSTU4G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1425873379&sr=8-1&keywords=nxg+bas500

Center channel $145: http://smile.amazon.com/Infinity-Primus-Two-way-Speaker-Center-Channel/dp/B0046A8R5A/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1425873281&sr=8-10&keywords=infinity+primus

And finally surrounds $120: http://smile.amazon.com/Infinity-Primus-Two-way-Bookshelf-Satellite/dp/B0044D3R7M/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1425873281&sr=8-5&keywords=infinity+primus

There is a lot of contention in the audiophile community about whether any quality amplifier sounds different from another. I've done much research and I've found that there are only accurate and innacurate amplifiers as well as weak vs powerful(able to handle strong electrical loads). In fact any receiver company worth its salt, Onkyo, Sony, Panasonic, Marantz will produce audibly similar amps. People recommend vintage products purport that for some reason new designs for amps are worse, bad sounding, or inaccurate. I've owned vintage amps; they are easier to repair and will last along time. They sound good but they also sound 'different' and to me that most likely means inaccurate. With every improvement in science and computing over the last 20 years, I don't believe we have produced worse or less accurate sounding electronics. Maybe accuracy is not what everyone desires.



For a general consumer I would recommend a digital receiver from a reputable company
Now this is BIFL. So I will give that recommendation:



Surround Sound:
http://bryston.com/9bsst_m.html
20 year warranty. Costs arm and leg.

http://us.marantz.com/us/Products/Pages/ProductDetails.aspx?CatId=AVSeparates&SubCatId=0&ProductId=AV7005
3 year warranty. Home theater moves fast so youll probably end up replacing it anyways.

Just stereo:
http://bryston.com/b60_m.html

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My recommendation for a setup that would last you a long time would be:

The cheapest receiver you can find with Audyssey MultiEq(the best sound correction technology on the market):
http://www.amazon.com/Denon-AVR-1612-Channel-Theater-Receiver/dp/B004U403WM

It is important to follow this guide when setting up MultiEq:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14456895

FYI: The maker of Infinity speakers, Harman International, is an incredibly well respected professional audio company. They know what they are doing.

For Front LR
2x
http://www.amazon.com/Infinity-Primus-Two-way-Floorstanding-Speaker/dp/B0044D178S

Center(turn it on its side and angle it to you):
1x http://www.amazon.com/Infinity-Primus-Two-way-Bookshelf-Satellite/dp/B0045NCB32/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1318744500&sr=1-1


Surrounds:
http://emotiva.com/erd1.shtm


Subwoofer(I would get two and put one in the back center of the room and one in the center front):
http://www.overstock.com/Electronics/Bic-Acoustech-Platinum-Series-PL-200-Subwoofer/5070689/product.html

I have research if you doubt me or have questions. If you need something more in budget I can tailor the recommendation.

SVS PB2000 sub -$800

Marantz SR5009 $420

Infinity primus center $200

Infinity primus towers $300 for the pair

Infinity primus bookshelfs $190 for a pair add another pair for 7.1

add another big subwoofer later for more oompf. the primus series represents pretty good value and they will play quite impactfully

then figure in another grand for a projector and screen

We're gonna need your budget in order to help. But A 2.1 setup is definitley the way to go to upgrade ehar you have. Sell those. They are very popular. If you want strictly a computer speaker setup, a 2 channel amp is probably fine. My bestbuy has a really weak bookshelf speaker selection, but you probably at least have the pioneer andrew jones speakers. They are well reviewed. If you have a nice discount they might be a good idea. Also a simple rule is the bigger they are, the louder and lower they get.

/r/zeos has a good 2.1 guide and /r/budgetaudiophile has great extensive speaker recommendation list. If you want to really rock, the pioneers may not be ideal.


These yamaha are massive bangers to blow your face off.

http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-NS-6490-Bookshelf-Speakers-Finish/dp/B00018Q4GA/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1421977443&sr=8-3&keywords=yamaha+speakers

2 of these would be good too. Smaller.

http://www.amazon.com/Infinity-Primus-Two-way-Bookshelf-Satellite/dp/B0045NCB32/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1421977463&sr=8-2&keywords=infinity+primus



Smsl amp http://www.amazon.com/SMSL-TDA7492-Integrated-Tripath-Amplifier/dp/B00F0H8TOC

Sub http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0015A8Y5M/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1421962220&sr=8-1


But read through the the zeos guide and the sidebars.

For a credible 2.1 system without making 'too' many compromises, the lowest I can get you is about $375:

• $130 Denon AVR: http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavre200/denon-avr-e200-5.1-channel-3d-home-theater-receiver/1.html
  
  
• $120, pair of Infinity P163: http://www.amazon.com/Infinity-Primus-Two-way-Bookshelf-Satellite/dp/B0045NCB32
  
  
• $125, Dayton Sub 1200: http://www.amazon.com/Dayton-Audio-SUB-1200-12-Inch-Subwoofer/dp/B00669L3HS
  
  This will get you some darn good sound for the price and will give credibility to both music and movies.
  
  

If your computer has any sort of built-in sound card, and especially if it has an optical output, your money is much better off spent obtaining better audio equipment first, and computer cards second.

I would start out with an inexpensive multi-channel receiver, like this Denon. Pair that with these Micca or these Infinity speakers for a solid 2 channel start. Add a small subwoofer like the Dayton sub-1000 later on to round out the low end.

Sounds like you're going to have to the 2.0/2.1 route. This means an amp/AVR(audio video receiver) and a set of speakers (2.0) and maybe a subwoofer added in (2.1).

Another option would be to get a pedestal system/soundbar or some other all inclusive system. Less fuss, less cost, higher wife acceptance score, lower sound quality. The question is what do you want to do? It sounds like you're all about the quick and dirty so I'll focus on those options first.

• If you want just one single unit then the soundstand/plate/base is the way to go. Examples: LG LAP340, Onkyo LST10, Vizio S2121w, and Sony HT-XT1 all around $200. One optical cable from the TV and you're done. No external subwoofer to sync, link or plug in. Sound should be "uh".
  
  
• Soundbar (Gasp!) "You can really be talking about a soundbar!" Well sub $300 with no wires beyond the TV cabinet...Soundbar. Here is what I say...get one with a wired sub, no more than $200, bass and treble controls. If the wife won't let you get one with an included sub then don't get one. Another option like this would be the Boston Acoustic Cinema set for $180. Again if she won't go for a sub you're out of luck with this as it's the heart of the system.
  
  Now back to the good stuff. AVR + Speakers is the way to do it right. If the wife won't let you get an AVR like this Denon refurb then you're done, see above options. If she will then you're in business to get a better system. Now you have get some speakers to go with your AVR. Here are some that would work good for you Pioneer BS22, Fluance SX6, and Infinity P163 but you have to get two of these and the Polk TSI100. All of those should be below $300 with wire and optical cable.
  
  "But Arm you mentioned a 2.1 didn't you?" why yes I did. AVR $130 + Speakers $50 and a sub. Now add in the wires, and cable from above with this sub cable and you're just at your budget. However, you now have a system that should sound pretty freaking good.
  
  

I think you are on the right path with your selections. The amp would be fine for any small to medium sized room listening.

I haven't yet heard them myself, but the measurements that Fluance release look OK, but very artifially flat looking due to the huge Y axis 50dbs would be more of a standard range, not the 120dbs that they are using.

I don't think the Teac's will ever come down in price again. That seemed like a one time event form what I can tell. But they are very good, I enjoy my pair a lot. Though construction quality is lacking when compared to other items in the price range.

My suggestion would be to look at the Infinity Primus line. The most well known and commonly reviewed of the bunch, and hit killer sale prices at least 1/3 of the year. Though currently out of stock, this whole line is very good for the money and I think you would be very happy with them.

For subs all the Dayton's are good for the money. I would get the biggest one that is in your budget and fits in your space.

Amazon has Infinity P163s on sale for $59 each right now. You'd need a receiver as well, but I'm using a pair for my rear channels (P363 tower speakers in the front), and it'd be hard to do much better for the money.

Go for an AV receiver and start with a stereo setup first. Don't bother with a sound card, and just use the HDMI output from your computer instead. /r/zeos has some decent speaker recommendations, though I don't know how much of that applies to the UK. Amazon has a great deal on Infinity Primus P163 speakers right now, normally $240 a pair, now $120. (Again, may not apply to the UK though.)

Affiliate/refer removed:

Link

You could do 2 pairs of the HTD Level 2 bookshelves and the center for $530. http://www.htd.com/Products/level-two-speakers

Emotiva 2 pairs of XRM 4.1 at $160 per pair, $320 total. The XRC 5.2 center channel for $180. Total is $500 even. http://shop.emotiva.com/collections/speakers?page=1

5 NHT Super Zero speakers at $100 each. Sold out currently. http://www.nhthifi.com/Bookshelf-speaker-SuperZero-2-1?sc=12&category=3774

You could do 5 Infinity Primus bookshelf speakers at $85 each. http://www.amazon.com/Infinity-Primus-Two-way-Bookshelf-Satellite/dp/B0045NCB32/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1374608377&sr=8-3&keywords=infinity+speakers

Polk Audio always has stuff you can fit into most budgets. Lots of choices here: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&Depa=0&Description=ppsspolkmonitorseries&cm_sp=BrandStore_-Polk-Audio-_-polkaudio%2f13-2614-_-http%3a%2f%2fpromotions.newegg.com%2fpolkaudio%2f13-2614%2f400x132.jpg

its gonna be hard to get floor standers in your range.

i would recommend speakers like these:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0045NCB32/

their normal price is $140 but the sometimes go on sale on amazon like they are now.

which have decent bass but by no means can cover the range of a good subwoofer. most should find it adequate however. you will need stands.

you can add a subwoofer later on if need be.

a Denon Receiver like a 1613 should fit well.

on an Android, download an app called Bubble UPnP (or many other DLNA/UPnP apps out there) and it can play to any DLNA certified device including most new receivers. i can attest to it working well with denon and marantz. however there is a caveat; this will only work with music files on the phone, not streamed files like pandora or spotify or etc.

if you dont want to use stands, basically the only decent floor standers in your range are gonna be something like these:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004H1M4NO/

which are decent, and will have more bass, but otherwise not as good as those infinity's.

i forgot to mention, the receiver needs to connect to your home router to work with UPnP, it does not have a direct connection to the phone.

Smsl a2:
http://www.amazon.com/SMSL-A2-Digital-Amplifier-Silver/dp/B014P5I8SG

Dayton subwoofer:
http://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-sub-1200-12-120-watt-powered-subwoofer--300-629?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=pla

Infinity p163 (each):
http://www.amazon.com/Infinity-Primus-Two-way-Bookshelf-Satellite/dp/B0045NCB32

You'll need cables. rca to 3.5 or rca to rca, an individual rca for subwoofer or extra speaker wire for subwoofer, speaker wire for speakers.

Replace at least the front stage with something bigger. It will change the whole experience. You don't have to spend a lot. Clearly you already spent all your money on the screen.

Three of these will do nicely.

For music, movies, and games on a budget $200, I would highly recommend going with an amp and decent speakers.

On my gaming PC I use a pair of these hooked up to an old receiver I had - you could get an amp similar to this. The sound is incredible, they have great frequency response and excellent bass for bookshelf speakers. No, they won't hit the super deep lows for movies like a full home-theater setup will, but neither will a PC-speaker setup (even ones with a sub). Plus the speakers go on sale for $59 each pretty often, you really can't beat them.

If you are really set on avoiding an amp or reciever, the only PC speakers I would really recommend are Klipsch Pro Media 2.1s. I wouldn't personally spend that much on them, but they are about as good as you can get for PC speakers IMO.

I thought about that, I guess I felt lazy and thought I can just make one purchase and get nicely matching speakers. I haven't seen many people recommend Infinity's on home setup, a lot of people suggested Klipsch. When I look at two speakers I can't tell what to look for. Is it the wattage? Most review sites claim wattage doesn't mean much these days since there isn't a standard. When I look at the Amazon page for P163's, http://www.amazon.com/Infinity-Primus-Two-way-Bookshelf-Satellite/dp/B0045NCB32 they don't even advertise wattage or any other specs. So how does one know a speaker is well matched with his AVR or match with other speakers properly? Thanks for the suggestion.

Fwiw, I had some Infinity Primus P142 speakers (similar to this ) sitting around doing nothing and they're in my kitchen now with this amp and the system sounds waaay better than the cheap Sonos. I'm sure better than the more expensive Sonos too.

Project turntables aren't bad at all, but I'd argue that Rega tables are better, especially if you consider the tonearm. And they can be upgraded.

Speakers: the Cambridge Audio are good. I'd consider the Infinity Primus and AudioEngine.

Zeos,

Thank you for this guide. I am currently looking for a solid computer speaker setup.

I use the asus sabertooth z77 motherboard with on board audio:
Realtek® ALC892 8-Channel High Definition Audio CODEC

• Absolute Pitch 192kHz/ 24-bit True BD Lossless Sound
  
• Optical S/PDIF out port(s) at back panel
  
  Would a DAC be better than the on board sound card? If so, what would you recommend?
  
  I am considering the Swan M50, Swan M200mkii (no sub), or M-Audio AV40 (no sub), Creative GigaWorks T40 for the powered options.
  
  Or
  
  The Infinity P163bk currently $59 per speaker on amazon. http://www.amazon.com/Infinity-Primus-Two-way-Bookshelf-Satellite/dp/B0045NCB32
  What amp would you recommend for the P163? I am considering the SMSL SA50. What DAC would you recommend for this setup?
  
  Of those options, what would you recommend? Ideally this would be $100-$200 (can go a little over if worth it). I would like a setup where a bass isn't needed, it can lack punch, but I would still like to have some lower coverage.
  
  Thank you.

I too have this receiver and pretty sure santa (the wife) got me these speakers
Can't vouch for them yet but I will after Christmas!

Also for $125 that seems like an excellent price for the Receiver. Last week I bought the same receiver for $140 (and that was after talking him down.) But to be fair the one I scored is in immaculate condition so I'm happy. Hopefully you'll be happy too.

The sticky text recommends a Muse M50 and whatever the best speakers you can afford after that. (so, like $60 for the muse and $120 on the speakers recommended elsewhere in this thread

Inifinity P163 - $85 each, $170/pair
http://www.amazon.com/Infinity-Primus-Two-way-Bookshelf-Satellite/dp/B0045NCB32/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1310171855&sr=8-1

Yamaha RX-397 - $194
http://cgi.ebay.com/Yamaha-Rx-397-Rx397-Home-Stereo-Receiver-SAVE-BARGAIN-/260772748218?pt=Receivers_Tuners&hash=item3cb7445bba

I have a pair of P162s and the P163 isn't a major redesign, so I would assume their at least equally as good and the rx397 is a great, low power stereo.
That gets you in under your $400 budget.

I've blown your friend's budget by about $70 (they would also need to improvise some speaker stands, but this isn't always too much of a problem) and they'll need to drop another ~$20 on speaker wire, but I suspect that this would be a more than satisfying setup for watching movies or listening to music. (I have the same basic setup, a few years older with an AVR-2310. I had an AVR-1604 before that and only replaced for it's lack of HDMI inputs)

Receiver Denon AVR-1613- $299

Front - 2X Infinity Primus P163BK Two-way 6 1/2-Inch - $85.95 ea

Rear - 2X Infinity Primus P153 Two-Way 5 1/4-Inch - $75.95 ea

Center - Infinity Primus PC251 Two-way dual 5-1/4-Inch Speaker - $149.95

Sub Infinity Primus PS410 10-Inch 300-Watt Powered Subwoofer - $299.95

edit - formatting

You really should post a budget...but here's a solid and inexpensive setup:

2x P163 @ $85 ea: http://www.amazon.com/Infinity-Primus-Two-way-Bookshelf-Satellite/dp/B0045NCB32/

Emotiva Ultra Sub 12 @ $429: http://emotiva.com/ultra_sub12.shtm

add a decent used receiver from craigslist, and you're good to go. If you don't have speaker cables, get them from monoprice.