Reddit mentions of Polk Audio S20 Signature Series Bookshelf Speakers for Home Theater, Surround Sound and Premium Music, Power port technology, Detachable Magnetic Grille (Pair), Black

Instead of going 5.1 right away, you could buy a great 2.1 or 3.0 depending on the center speaker availability and sales, and save up for the subwoofer or center and surrounds to buy later.

Receiver:

Denon AVR-S530BT $150 refurbished 5.2 AV receiver with HDCP 2.2 for 4K HDMI

Popular and highly recommended Denon AVR1400 $300, 7.2/5.2.2 with Audyssey MultEQ XT.

Speakers:

AverageJoe's list and r/HTBuyingGuides Speakers.

Internet Direct: HTD, Ascend, Chane...

On sale:

3x Wavecrest Audio HVL-1, order on sale here $160 pair + shipping. A third for $80 horizontally as a center speaker.

Polk Audio Signature S20 $250 or Polk Audio Signature S15 $180 with Polk Audio Signature S30 center.

Budget entry level speakers, Sony SSCS5 $120 and Sony SSCS8 $120

Surrounds: Aperion Audio Intimus 4b $200, Fluance $150 or $230, JBL Arena 120 $140 Thin Profile, Polk Audio OWM3 $100, Polk Audio Blackstone TL2 $200.

Speaker wire and wire strippers.

Subwoofer:

HSU 10" VTF-1 MK3 $425 shipped. Or go larger with the 12" Rythmik LV12F front ported for $550 shipped when it becomes available next month (currently shown is the older rear ported version).

5.1 Speaker Packages:

JBL Studio 270 5.1 Home Theater Speaker System Package $850

Boston Acoustics 5.1.2 package $800.

Guides:

r/HTBuyingGuides, Frequently Asked Questions, How to Set Up a Basic Home Theater System - Lifewire, How to Set Up Your Home Theater Receiver, Speaker Placement for Home Theater, Crutchfield Guides

RP 160 and HTD L3 are great for movies and music. Elacs are traditionally more laid and more musical.

More options to research

KEF Q100
Q Acoustics 3020
Polk S20
Emotiva B1

Infinity Reference 152/162

Fluance Signature series

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No need for towers if you run a sub. If you can up your sub budget a little you can get some amazing subs for $500 that will blow away the PL200II.

Here are some thoughts.

• I would upgrade to the X1300 if you can. The upgraded Audyssey alone is worth the price IMO.
  
  
• I don't know about the Canton's as I've never heard them or read too much about them. They seem like pretty capable speakers but I'm suspect about the low end a compatibility moving forward.
  
  
• They list the low end at 42Hz that seems very low for the size of speaker they are. If you're not a big bass fan they might be perfect but I'm thinking if you're going for a HT setup you'll want a sub.
  
  
• The compatibility is also suspect because I don't know if they offer a center. If they do offer a center can you get it and how much is it going to cost? If you plan on expanding you probably need to consider this in your decision. Ideally you want to have the same speaker or same series of speaker across the front.
  
  
• If you can afford it the KEF Q300 are on sale for $450 still. I know these sound are going to sound great. While not as accurate as the Q100's from some reports the added low end of the larger driver will help with a 2.0 setup.
  
  
• Another option would be the Polk S20 $300 - They are at your local Blue Box store. They are worth a listen to see if you like them. I was actually pretty impressed with them when I heard them the other day. The KEF's are still much better but they cost more.

https://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-Signature-S20-Bookshelf/dp/B01LVWWXQG

I use these for music & TV/console games.

Probably one of the most "bass-capable" bookshelfs around.

I'd say pick up the "like new" Polk S20 for $170 that's on amazon right now. Should be a clear upgrade.

For 300 bucks personally I would go with decent Powered speakers. Make sure you pick up a phono preamp as well if you go this route as opposed to using an amp+passive speakers (which is much more expensive, unless you go used). That's the setup I did, minimalist, clean, decent value, but still relatively cheap. Here's my setup for example...

https://www.amazon.com/rolls-VP29-Phono-Preamp/dp/B0002BG2R2 - Rolls VP29 Phono Preamp

https://www.amazon.com/Edifier-R1700BT-Bluetooth-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B016PATXSI - Edifier R1700BT Powered Speakers with Bluetooth - For the value these sound really awesome. Only downside is there are not great with lots of bass, they flubber. In retrospect I might have gotten something different, but most stuff I listen to isn't bass heavy so I'm not torn over it. I also wanted bluetooth in this room because it's a guest room.

https://www.amazon.com/Pro-Ject-Elemental-Gray-Turntable-Grey/dp/B01CZW826Y?th=1 - Pro-Ject Elemental Turntable - Great value turntable on the low-end if you buy new.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000513O4/ - Tripp Lite Isobar surge protector - Because I'm paranoid about this stuff and these are high end surge protectors that we use at work. They are bulletproof.

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So anyways... for 300 bucks you can pick up the same phono preamp and these...

https://www.amazon.com/Edifier-R2000DB-Bluetooth-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B01CDU3IAI

I hear the R2000's don't have the same bass issue that the r1700 does, but they cost a lot more. Edifier is kind of one of the best in value right now, it's "Chi-Fi" good. The hardcore audiophile kiddos are often brand-whores, so take their allegiance with a grain of salt and try to remain objective, read reviews, technical analysis, etc..

https://www.amazon.com/Audioengine-A2-Powered-Speaker-System/

The A2's always get good reviews in this price range, I have no personal experience, but there are recent reviews that show problems with quality control, maybe the company is getting worse?

https://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-2017-R-14PM-Powered-Monitor/dp/B075JRF295

A lot of people swear by the Klipsch powered monitors once you get into this price range, but I don't have any personal experience, maybe someone else can chime in, just showing it here because you might want to consider it, read about them more.

https://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-Signature-S20-Bookshelf/dp/B01LVWWXQG

These are just barely in the price range, definitely consider them, my friend has a Polk setup and he loves it. These seem to get good reviews from hip hop heads too, so the bass response must be good.

It really depend on your musical taste, the room, what kind of setup you are wanting to go with overall and for what purpose though. If you want to be able to handle everything, up the budget, or buy used honestly. If you stay on a small budget and buy new, you are going to have to have compromises. I was wiling to have that compromise, but others may not.

I'll second the call to look at a set of Polk S20s. I just auditioned a pair of S15s and they're shockingly great for the price. Great resolution and soundstage with clean highs, gorgeous midrange, and a surprising amount of bass extension and impact. I'd have gone for the S20s myself, but space was at a premium. You can pick them up in either black walnut or brown walnut for $299 shipped, or step down to the S15s in either finish for $229 if you think the S20s are just too big for her tastes. Pair either of them with something like an Onkyo A-9010 and you have a great 2.0 system for $470 - $550.

As an aside, I totally get the having to placate your SO bit. Mine absolutely hated my previous setup, so I'm hoping she's much happier with these Polks around. Good luck!

Check out the Polk S20 speakers. Great performance for the price. Polk knocked it out of the park with this series, especially considering the price.

https://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-Signature-S20-Bookshelf/dp/B01LVWWXQG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1505508564&sr=8-3&keywords=polk+s20

Polk S55

Polk S55 Woot

Polk S60 Woot

Polk S20

HTS 10

HTS 12

$170+ refurbished receivers with Chromecast built in + either MB42X ($80) and MB42X-C ($70) or Sony SSCS5 ($150) or Micca RB42 ($130) or Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2 or Polk S20 or Q Acoustic 3020 or more but those are just a few stand outs at their price point. Then you'll need speaker cable and assuming your not adventurous enough to strip wire and put banana plugs on yourself you can buy them pre made for pretty reasonable price. And yes this doesn't have Android TV but do you really want to replace your whole sound bar when Google kills Android TV for Google TV in a few years? (Because Google loves killing products people love)

I would go with this refurbished Denon

https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavrx1300w/denon-avr-x1300w-7.2-ch-x-80-watts-networking-a/v-receiver/1.html

And these

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01LVWWXQG/

Or these

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07B4Q5587/

Save up some money for either a Hsu, SVS, or Rhythmic subwoofer.

If you can go up to $230, there's the Polk S20

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https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LVWWXQG?pf_rd_p=183f5289-9dc0-416f-942e-e8f213ef368b&pf_rd_r=P3GD6SWMD27YCXC503GJ

While the JBL 305s are potentially better, the Fluance Ai40 and Ai60 are probably better suited for your needs(and damn good).


And you dont need the turntable preamp, the AT-LP120 has one built in.


Just to throw another spanner in the works, have you considered an amplifier and passive speakers? This would be even better than the Fluance. From an upgrade perspective this is the best option.


A refurbished Onkyo TX-8020 from Accessories 4 less will leave you with about $300 on some good speakers (assuming a roughly $400 budget on speakers and amp)

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https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/onktx8020/onkyo-tx-8020-2-x-50-watts-stereo-receiver/1.html

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Speakers:

https://www.amazon.com/ELAC-Debut-Bookshelf-Speakers-Black/dp/B07B4Q5587/

https://www.amazon.com/Acoustics-3020i-Bookshelf-Speaker-Graphite/dp/B07C4V26N1/

https://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-Signature-S20-Bookshelf/dp/B01LVWWXQG/ref=sr_1_3

https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/cantgle426mksra/canton-gle-426-6-2-way-bookshelf-speaker-zebra-wood-pair/1.html

https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/kefq150wht/kef-q150-5.25-2-way-bookshelf-speaker-white-pair/1.html

https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/polktsi200blk/polk-audio-tsi200-5.25-2-way-bookshelf-speaker-black-pair/1.html

These

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07GRNK2LK/ref=psdcmw_3236453011_t1_B0067XUYEQ

One of these

https://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-LSiM-706c-Channel/dp/B0067XUYBY/ref=pd_aw_sbs_23_5?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B0067XUYBY&pd_rd_r=06ee95f2-7955-469e-8063-12f16c0aca95&pd_rd_w=hO68k&pd_rd_wg=d1dXr&pf_rd_p=eb968aa8-26af-4aeb-99f6-3d185cf2f412&pf_rd_r=M5NMA9XFWAH0AJW6VKGM&psc=1&refRID=0T1D8GVWDW37ME6AW0YJ&th=1

These

https://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-Signature-S20-Bookshelf/dp/B01LVWWXQG/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?keywords=polk+s20&qid=1573701838&sprefix=polk+s&sr=8-2

$2067 pretax

Throw this in and you still come in under $2600 and you have a full 5.1

https://rslspeakers.com/products/rsl-speedwoofer-10s/

https://www.amazon.com/Nero-XD-2-Channel-Amplifier-Bluetooth-Wireless/dp/B07B3G9YHD/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=OSD+streaming+amp&qid=1555980782&s=electronics&sr=1-1-spell

https://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-Signature-S20-Bookshelf/dp/B01LVWWXQG/ref=pd_day0_hl_23_1/130-2292965-6016208?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01LVWWXQG&pd_rd_r=1b6d7834-6562-11e9-b475-c358acaaf9b4&pd_rd_w=HJ1rV&pd_rd_wg=CVLpC&pf_rd_p=ad07871c-e646-4161-82c7-5ed0d4c85b07&pf_rd_r=794YC6ZA2T521SAMQAS4&psc=1&refRID=794YC6ZA2T521SAMQAS4

A subwoofer is probably not the best idea, given you are in an apartment and for your budget. These bookshelf speakers will produce decent, relatively low frequency bass:

Polk Audio S20, $200

Philharmonic Audio - Affordable Accuracy Plus Monitor, $290 + shipping I'm certain he is still making these speakers.

Then, spend the rest of your budget on an AV receiver from accessories4less.com, such as per your link, but I'd get one with wifi streaming (e.g., Yamaha with MusicCast).

So 200 pounds is currently about $280. You can pick up some Polk Audio S20 for $250 right now on Amazon. I got a pair of these and really, really enjoy them. Good low end for a bookshelf speaker but it doesn't wash out the middle and upper ends.

I would say that the Klipsch is a lot better and worth the extra $216, but then again, you would also need an amp and that would cost you a lot more. You just need to really determine if you want to go the passive route and have the ability to upgrade more down the road or get a simple powered system that will work just fine for what you need and sounds great, but not have the ability to upgrade components.

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Here a few good options in either category though that would fit your budget:

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Passive Setup:

Speakers:

Fluance Signature - $269 CAD

Polk S20 - $350 CAD

Elac Debut B6.2 - $343 CAD

Elac Uni-Fi UB5 - $522 CAD (Considered to be just as good as the Klipsch RP-150M)

Klipsch RP-150M - $289 US (plus shipping and taxes to Canada [$unknown])

SVS Prime - $629 CAD (Can’t tell if this listing is for a pair)

Amps:

SMSL AD18 - $174 CAD

Yamaha RX-V385 - $279 CAD

Denon AVR-S540BT - $377 CAD

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Powered Setup:

Fluance Ai40 - $225 CAD

Fluance Ai60 - $403 CAD

Edifier S2000 Pro - $500 CAD

Vanatoo Transparent Zero - $359 US (plus shipping and taxes to Canada [$unknown])

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Studio Monitor Setup:

Monitors:

JBL 305P MKII - $440 CAD

Interfaces:

Behringer UMC202HD - $104 CAD

Focusrite Solo 3rd Gen - $159 CAD

Steinberg UR22MKII - $180 CAD

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The studio monitor setup is one of my favorites. The JBL’s sound amazing on a desktop, but I would not get one without an audio interface with balanced inputs to help reduce noise.