Reddit mentions of Polk Audio T15 100 Watt Home Theater Bookshelf Speakers – Hi-Res Audio with Deep Bass Response | Dolby and DTS Surround | Wall-Mountable| Pair, Black

No.

You are going from one home theater in a box system to another. Generally, stay away from anything in a 5.1 package for under $500. Go with separates instead starting at $50 to $150 and build as you go. Only the front 3 speakers need to match.

If you want better sound then start with a pair of 5.25" or 6.5" bookshelf speakers and the matching center. Then add a better subwoofer. Then add surrounds.

Optional Receiver Upgrade:

• Denon AVR-S540BT $150 refurbished 5.2 with HDCP 2.2 and HDMI 2.0B for 4K video switching.
  
• Denon AVRX1400 $250 refurbished 7.2/5.2.2 with Audyssey MultEQ XT.
  
  Low Budget 5.1 under $300.
  
  
• Polk T15 $50 with Polk T30 $65.
  
• Surrounds: Another pair of Polk T15 or Dayton Audio B452 4-1/2" 2-Way Bookshelf Speaker Pair $27.
  
• Subwoofer bare minimum Dayton Sub1200 $128 with $10 off coupon.
  
  Better 3 front speakers:
  
  
• $240 - ELAC half price sale ELAC Debut 2.0 B6.2 $150 pair with the center ELAC Debut 2.0 C6.2 $140.
  
• $180 - Dual 5.25" mid bass driver Polk Audio Monitor 40 Series $100 with the dual 5.25" Polk Audio Monitor CS1 center $80.
  
  Better subwoofers:
  
  
• Dayton Audio SUB-1500 $178 with $10 off coupon.
  
• Bic-Acoustech-PL-200 $250.
  
• SVS Sale: $500 https://www.svsound.com/pages/subwoofers
  
  HT Guides: r/HTBuyingGuides FAQ, How to Set Up a Basic Home Theater System - Lifewire, How to Set Up Your Home Theater Receiver, Speaker Placement for Home Theater
  
  Also see r/hometheater.

1. Yes, it's a good entry-level turntable and is easy to both use and set up.
   
2. If you want speakers you can hook up straight to your turntable without any extra equipment you'll be looking for powered/active speakers. The Micca PB42X should be pretty decent, and the M-Audio Studiophile AV 30 should be alright as well. If you plan on getting a power amp or a receiver (so you can use passive speakers) you could look into the Pioneer SP-BS22, the Polk T15, or the Micca MB42X.
   
3. Nothing if you buy powered speakers. For passive speakers you'll need either a receiver or a power amp.
   
4. Radiohead - Kid A

I advocate using component bookshelves speakers with a mini amp unless space is at a big premium. They are better engineered, have better bang for your buck, and have a much cleaner sound.

You have the added bonus that the speakers are more flexible for other uses and, if you wanted to go from 2.0 to something else, it's a pretty easy upgrade, ala: you don't have to pitch the old system and get something new. I think you'd find a good 2.0 system to be much more impressive than a lot of the gamer sound systems out there.

Polk Audio T15 Bookshelf Speakers

Dayton Audio DTA-1 Digital Amplifier

Amazon Basics Speaker Cable

Another note: A system like this will sound way fuller without a boominess that you'd get from most gaming 2.1 sound systems. All of my friends that I have recommended go this route have loved it!

Good: Polk T15's (on sale for $50 right now)


Better: ELAC Debut 2.0 (on sale for $150)

Onkyo TX-NR676 - $339.00.

Polk T30 center channel - $89.99

Polk PSW10 10" subwoofer - $99.99

Polk T50 towers for the front speakers - $89.99 x2 = $179.98

Polk T15 Bookshelf speakers for the rear surrounds - $59.00 x2 = $118.00

Total: $824.98. Throw in ~$70 for sales tax and another $30-40 for audio cable and $5 for an HDMI cord. You can save $60 by switching the front towers for T15s.

The Onkyo can be expanded to 5.1.2 for Atmos, and supports DTS:X as well. 4K passthrough and it supports every audio format up through Atmos. It's a fantastic AVR, especially at that price.

EDIT: fixed link for T50 towers.

If you're like me and lean more towards BUDGET than Audiophile, here's one.

Polk Audio T15 Bookshelf Speakers, Pair, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002RJLHB8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_19T9Bb1F7NB97

If you must get a 2.1, then I suggest getting the Logitech Z623. It is good for gaming, but not great for music. You can pick it up at Best Buy or Amazon for $99

https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Z623-Watt-Speaker-System/dp/B003VAHYTG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1540214631&sr=8-1&keywords=z623

​

If you want good sound quality for music, then I suggest either of the following systems in your budget:

​

Passive system:

Polk T15 Speakers - $70

https://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-T15-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B002RJLHB8/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1540214644&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=polk+t15&psc=1

and

Lepai LP-2020TI Amp - $25

https://www.amazon.com/Lepai-LP-2020TI-Instruments-TPA3118-Amplifier/dp/B071FJF4FF/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1540214708&sr=8-1&keywords=lepai+lp2020ti

​

Speaker wire & 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable

​

Powered system:

Edifier R1280T Speakers

https://www.amazon.com/Edifier-R1280T-Powered-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B016P9HJIA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1540214772&sr=8-2&keywords=r1280t

​

​

If it were me and you really want to upgrade your sound now, but also want to have the ability for a full 5.1 sound later I'd check out craigslist. You can probably find an older 5.1 receiver for under $70. A quick look in my area brought up a few. A few months ago I sold a 12 year old Pioneer that still was great, but I wanted the ability to get music via my network/internet. I sold it for $60. Then I would look for 2 decent book shelf speakers that you would use for fronts now and later use them for rears. These are as low as they go according to camelizer https://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-T15-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B002RJLHB8/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1510803743&sr=1-3&keywords=polk+bookshelf+speakers&dpID=31bhM1nV3tL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch Then I'd get a sub https://www.amazon.com/Polk-10-Inch-Powered-Subwoofer-Single/dp/B0002KVQBA/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1510803898&sr=1-3&keywords=polk+subwoofer&dpID=51JGYWW4N4L&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch
That would get you started and would kick the shit out of any 2.1 soundbar. So you'd be looking at $140 for the 2 speakers and sub and then w/e you could find on craigslist for an a/v receiver. If you can stretch your budget to about $300 you could grab this which is certified refurbished https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavrs510bt/denon-avr-s510bt-5.2-ch-x-70-watts-bluetooth-a/v-receiver/1.html
None of this is going to be wireless. IF you can stretch out to $400 you could get this receiver which I really like for the price: https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavrx1300w/denon-avr-x1300w-7.2-ch-x-80-watts-networking-a/v-receiver/1.html

Keep in mind you'll have to buy some speaker wire and a crimping/cutting tool. But yeah about $400 will get you a decent setup like Mtown said.
The best way to go about buying home theater equipment is to buy stuff that you'll use later. So if you have a soundbar now, I'd just use it and save up until you have enough for a decent refurbed 5.1 av receiver ~$250 and some bookshelf speakers ~50-100.

If you absolutely need a 2.1 soundbar. I bought a refurbed lg sh4 2.1 for about $130 on amazon. I believe they are more now. It's enough for a small room. I use it for my office and it's decent.

You can probably get better advice about starting up a ht system by searching r/hometheater.

IMHO KLH is/was near the bottom of the speaker food chain. Nowadays, almost any other brand will eat them alive. Having this said, they are affordable, sound descent and fill the needs for most people. If I were you, I would try to get them a bit cheaper (if possible) and use them while looking for an upgrade (KEF, Monitor Audio, B&W, Etc).

I think you can find a better deal with "museum" series of previous brand mentioned here for the same price (around 80 USD top). KEF Uni-q Q10 are a good example.

Good luck!

Edit: Take a look on this Polk Audio T15

I'm considering getting a turntable setup. The turntable I'm thinking of has a phono pre-out so the receiver/amp wouldn't need a phono input. Check these out:
turntable
Mini Amp
speakers

Polk Audio T15, $59 - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002RJLHB8

Sony SSCS5, $73 - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O8YLMVA/

Glad you came to us for help.

The best way to add a subwoofer in the future is to get separate components rather than a pair of powered speakers. Those Presonus actually don't have a way to add a subwoofer.

However, that budget is extremely difficult to fit a pair of speakers and an amp into.

This amp as well as these speakers is the cheapest you can really get. These speakers would be a bit better though.

You'll need speaker wire as well as whatever cable you need to plug it in, probably this one.

You don't need wire strippers, but some like this will help you quite a bit.

How does this all look?

Bookshelf T15 $50 for the pair

https://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-T15-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B002RJLHB8

I am going to be using this article plus my own personal experiences in the 7 years I have been collecting: https://www.techradar.com/news/best-turntables


Turntable: Audio-Technica ATLP120USB Direct Drive Professional USB Turntable Price $229.00 (On Sale at the time of this writing) it comes with a built in Pre-Amp so you are good to go. This is one I have been eyeballing myself.


Amplifier: Yamaha R-S202BL Stereo Receiver Price $149.95 (On sale at the time I am writing this). This is the one I personally use and I love it. It has multiple channels so you can allow for growth. For example I got a stereo cd player at the local thrift store I am trying to upgrade. I just need RCA Cables to hook it up which I do.


Speakers: https://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-T15-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B002RJLHB8/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8 Price $49.98 (Sale at the time I am writing this)


Wire from speakers to Amp: AmazonBasics 100ft 16-Gauge Audio Stereo Speaker Wire Cable - 100 Feet Price $13.49


Headphone Adapter (Trust me you'll need this if you want to listen to music via headphones) Adapter Price: $7.99


Subtotal: $450.41‬ plus taxes. I think you have wiggle room on the speakers, but I searched for high rated ones. If you need help setting up your Turntable and Stereo please feel free to reach out and I can help! :D

These Polk T-15s are your best bet for $99

I went with Polk Audio setup. T15 bookshelf speakers, PSW10 sub (thing is a beast), throw in a Lepy LP-2020A-3A amplifier, and a AUX switch to go back and forth between the speakers and headphones and BAM that is the audio setup.

https://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-T15-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B002RJLHB8/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=polk+T15&qid=1554764425&s=electronics&sr=1-2

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Kinter-MA170-12V-2-Channel-Mini-Digital-Audio-Power-Amplifier-for-Car-or-Mp3/392257799837?hash=item5b5463069d%3Ag%3AtAMAAOSw-Vdch0eO&LH_BIN=1

For under $100?


https://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-T15-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B002RJLHB8/ref=sxin_3_osp48-e0ee21c7_cov?ascsubtag=e0ee21c7-7c6d-4572-84a0-f105bfd96edc&creativeASIN=B002RJLHB8&cv_ct_id=amzn1.osp.e0ee21c7-7c6d-4572-84a0-f105bfd96edc&cv_ct_pg=search&cv_ct_wn=osp-search&keywords=Polk+speakers&linkCode=oas&pd_rd_i=B002RJLHB8&pd_rd_r=0080b75e-794a-4003-9e85-58187e43ea5b&pd_rd_w=dqsMZ&pd_rd_wg=rbEhp&pf_rd_p=a23a388c-add5-49df-b293-a31ade89c6bf&pf_rd_r=GXAQKVCP5CHDTX38S4BD&qid=1574031515&tag=spyonsite-20


If you wanna spend a touch more for a bit more oomph,


https://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-R-14M-Reference-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B00MGQAH2M/ref=sr_1_5?crid=9AXOZYE4XFEI&keywords=klipsch+bookshelf+speakers&qid=1574031679&s=electronics&sprefix=Klipsh+bookshelf+speakers%2Celectronics%2C169&sr=1-5

It's compressed digital music. It's never going to sound "good," but you can do "okay" quite easily. The simplest method would be to buy a powered, stereo speaker (even a good Bluetooth portable would work) and simply connect it directly with a cable. The second easiest would be to connect that same cable to a small amplifier (try a $25 T-amp) and a pair of bookshelf speakers.

I have my Dot wired to a powered Bluetooth speaker on my nighstand. It actually sounded better than my full-sized Echo, for less than half the price.

5.1 surround sound with a HDR/4k Passthrough receiver. I'd say bare bones about $650 or so for the lowest end gear.

EDIT: Quick throw together here. Would work well though. A little over budget, but probably worth it

https://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-Monitor-Floorstanding-Speaker/dp/B006QL0XXQ/ref=lp_3236453011_1_12?s=aht&ie=UTF8&qid=1482959814&sr=1-12

https://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-Center-Channel-Speaker/dp/B0018QROM2/ref=sr_1_2?s=aht&ie=UTF8&qid=1482960146&sr=1-2

https://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-T15-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B002RJLHB8/ref=sr_1_1?s=aht&ie=UTF8&qid=1482959871&sr=1-1&refinements=p_89%3APolk+Audio

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002KVQBA/ref=s9_acsd_top_hd_bw_bitM_c_x_1_w?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-8&pf_rd_r=DAXEP2BDFVM1W8SMJQBM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=6fc71d99-5362-526e-b48e-9a05897aee91&pf_rd_i=172568

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/yamrxv381/yamaha-rx-v381-5.1-ch-x-70-watts-bluetooth-a/v-receiver/1.html

That would be weird. Nobody does that.

Do you have room for any kind of amplifier, either on another table or a shelf? Becuase you could get a pair of small bookshelf speakers to put on either side of your monitors. Something about this size. You could even get a small little stereo amp and set it on top of one of the two speakers, or below the edge of your monitor.

I actually bought a pair of these on black friday for the same price. I have a very tiny living area in my condo and these work just fine for me in my situation, as L/R mains. They sound well enough in a small space. I'd recommend them to someone trying to go low-budget and apartment-friendly. They do have decent reviews on Amazon.

Here's an example of some passive speakers. https://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-T15-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B002RJLHB8/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1537369110&sr=8-7&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=passive+speakers&dpPl=1&dpID=31bhM1nV3tL&ref=plSrch They don't have a power plug, just the 2 red and black posts that you can see on the back of the speakers in one of the images. They connect to the receiver via 2 speaker wires for each speaker, one for red (+) and one for black (-), and those wires provide all the electricity needed to vibrate the speaker cones and transmit sound into the air.

I can't speak to the quality of these speakers in particular...I just picked the first result with an image that showed the posts on the back. Some speakers will have clips instead of posts, but they're basically the same.

Nevermind, I can post several links obviously

Indoor Outdoor Projector Screen,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F1VLRZ6?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

J-Tech Digital Ultra HD 4K HDMI to HDMI + Audio (Spdif + RCA Stereo) Audio Extractor Converter(Support Apple TV 4 Gen) Premium Quality https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YHS5E6Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_G8ZdIxDbFbxhh

VANKYO Leisure 510 Full HD Projector with 3600 Lux, Video Projector with 200" Projection Size, Support 1080P HDMI VGA AV USB with Free HDMI Cable and Carrying Bag https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07G2Y5LX9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_MxYBCbDMFNHW7

Jeteven Polyester Hanging... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075WWRRZV?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

AUKEY Table Lamp, Touch Sensor... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AJ7F14I?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Mini Dj Disco Ball Party Stage... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074RKPSDK?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Sennheiser HD 579 Open Back... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L1IIF1K?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Flash Furniture High Back Black... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B012JJ2EEY?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

P3 P4330 Kill A Watt Ps 10 Surge... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004OG94VW?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

LG 29WK600-W 29" UltraWide 21:9... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078GL93KG?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Onkyo TX-SR373 5.2 Channel A/V Receiver with Bluetooth https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XVGCBZ4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_kCYBCbJTN8QJ1

Polk Audio T15 100 Watt Home Theater Bookshelf Speakers (Pair) - Premium Sound at a Great Value | Dolby and DTS Surround | Wall-Mountable https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002RJLHB8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_OCYBCbX2TX5XM

Polk Audio PSW10 10" Powered Subwoofer - Featuring High Current Amp and Low-Pass Filter | Up to 100 Watts | Big Bass at a Great Value | Easy integration Home Theater Systems https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002KVQBA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_mDYBCbWN7VD6T

TCL 43S425 43 Inch 4K Ultra HD Smart Roku LED TV (2018) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DK5PZFY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_3DYBCbZ7TGJ9X

Plus an Asus rog laptop gtx 1060 16gb ram, two ps3s, Corsair hs60 headphones, vmoda Crossfade wireless, a Google chromecast

Same price on Amazon, too. https://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-T15-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B002RJLHB8

What's your budget? What's your amp? If you don't have an amp and are in a budget bind:

Amp: https://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX-8020-channel-Stereo-Receiver/dp/B00EE18O7W/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1510243920&sr=1-3&keywords=onkyo+receiver

Speakers: https://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-T15-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B002RJLHB8/ref=sr_1_7?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1510243966&sr=1-7&keywords=polk+audio

Micca MB42X at $79.99
.

Polk Audio T15 - $49.99 most say they’re Not that Good and make Better surrounds than main speakers
https://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-T15-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B002RJLHB8/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=bookshelf+speakers&qid=1563233710&s=gateway&sr=8-5

Dayton Audio B452 Air - Some people love them some people hate them. $55

https://www.amazon.com/Dayton-Audio-B452-AIR-Bookshelf-Speaker/dp/B077779VV5/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Dayton+Audio+Bookshelf&qid=1563233818&s=gateway&sr=8-1
.

B652 Air

https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00NOA58RS/ref=dp_olp_0?ie=UTF8&condition=all&qid=1563234478&sr=8-2

Mixed reviews
https://www.amazon.com/Mediabridge-MS-BP1B-Bookshelf-Speakers-Tweeter/dp/B075Y28ZSN/ref=sr_1_34?keywords=Bookshelf+speaker&qid=1563234002&s=gateway&sr=8-34

Lotta people find some decent older speakers at Goodwill cheap that still sound good

Hi folks. I'm sorry for asking a pretty simple question but after looking at some of these helpful guides, I am still in over my head. I have a beginner set up 1byone turntable (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01GO1SP1E/ref=ask_ql_qh_dp_hza) and I wanted to have some better sound when playing the blues. So I picked up the Polk T15 speakers (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002RJLHB8/ref=ask_ql_qh_dp_hza) that were on sale and well regarded from reddit users.

I am having a lot of trouble figuring out how to get this all set up. I think I need to pick up a phono turntable pre amp? Would really appreciate any direction or advice. Again sorry for the basic Q.

Zeos, can't thank you enough for all the info. My Logitech Z 680s from 9 years ago crapped out this week so I capitalized on the opportunity to upgrade. Thanks to your thread, I just picked up the full Pioneer setup, FS52's for the front, C22 center, and BS22's for the rear to connect to a Denon 1613. Still need to pick out a sub, but I'm sure I'll order one you've suggested, probably the Dayton 10.

The only thing I'm second guessing is the receiver and BS22's. I'm a little disappointed there's not an easy way to connect my Android phone or tablet to the receiver. I have yet to run an ethernet cable to it so perhaps once that's hooked up it'll work. As for the rear speakers, they're awfully big and have no way of wall mounting (especially since they're rear-ported. I was wondering what your thoughts are on these: http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-Bookshelf-Speakers-Black/dp/B002RJLHB8/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
Any thoughts on how these would compare? I am a bit OCD and want to stay all the same brand, but in my current apartment I'm going to have to find some wall-shelves to set the rears on and am concerned if i'll be not leaving enough room for rear ports.

Is it worth looking at any of the comparable Yamaha receivers? I like the Denon, but the GUI is abysmal and like I said, it doesn't seem like it'll be easy to just play music out of it. Thanks so much for the help!

If you can live with a 2 channel setup for now, these Polk Audio speakers and this Yamaha receiver will likely sound far better than the sound bar. Then if you decide you want to add a subwoofer in the future, you can get some decent ones around $100.

Price History

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Sorry for all the questions.. really appreciate your answers, you've given me more detail than anybody I've talked to at the audio/video stores I go into. Can I buy you a beer somehow? :)

I have one final question I think... my wife chose a TV Stand/Media Console to house all this stuff, and I only have 5.67" of height for the center speaker, so unfortunately that rules out the Dayton Audio set, as well as the Pioneer set I brought up earlier.

So I'm looking at one of two options, first this Micca setup:

Micca MB42X for Front L/R and Rear L/R
Micca MB42X-C for Center (5.3 inches tall, fits my needs)
~$330 CAD for the set of 5 speakers, not bad!
https://www.amazon.ca/Micca-MB42X-Bookshelf-Speakers-Tweeter/dp/B00HHFBEK6

(Instead of the MB42X, maybe the RB42? https://www.amazon.ca/Micca-RB42-Reference-Bookshelf-Speaker/dp/B07JC416LG/ Seems better reviewed, would add $120 to the price to do those front and back, or just $60 more to do those in the front and still have MB42X in the rear)

(Another option is just to get 5 MB42X-C's?... Or 3 for the front and 2 MB42X at rear)

or this Polk setup.. only other decently priced one I found with a small center.. but this center is much smaller than the Micca:

Polk Audio TL2 for Center
https://www.amazon.ca/Polk-Audio-Speaker-Center-Channel/dp/B0043M667M
Polk T15 for Front L/R and Rear L/R
https://www.amazon.ca/Polk-Audio-T15-Bookshelf-7-25-Inch/dp/B002RJLHB8
~$458 CAD for the set of 5 speakers

(Another option is the T300 set for $150/pair. Shaves $40 off the overall price, not sure if there's much difference there. https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product/polk-audio-polk-audio-t300-100-watt-bookshelf-speakers-pair-t300/10166613 )

I'm not a big fan of the look of the TL2 Bookshelf speakers.. so went for the T15/T300 instead.

Curious if you have any opinions about which to pick.. I'm leaning towards the Micca because they fill the shelves better and the reviews online seem to be decent, and the tiny TL2 center from Polk is... tiny.

To pair with all this I have a Polk Audio PSW10 subwoofer.. which gets alot of hate around here but seems more than powerful enough for my needs. Got it last night and hooked it up and I'm running it at about 10% on the gain dial and it's more than enough for what I need.. will probably piss off my neighbours (semi-detached home) even at that level.

Again, thanks for your help, really appreciate folks like you that take the time to answer threads and help people out with their questions.

EDIT: All the above said.. after listening to a dozen reviews or so on the Micca line-up.. I think I'm leaning towards either:

1. RB-42 front and back, and MB42X-C center (really just because I can't get the RB-42C in Canada). This sounds like I'd have alot more bass in the RB-42, but they are weak at high volumes. Filling a large room like I'll have these in would be difficult, although most of the time I'm sitting fairly close to the speakers when watching TV, this would only be an issue while listening to music in the room somewhere other than the couch infront of it.
   
   
2. MB42X-C x 5 all around. More power and higher sensitivity and they seem to keep their clean sound at higher volumes. Less bass per speaker.. but I have the sub in the setup so hopefully that helps fill that gap (even though it's a PSW10).
   
   Long post, sorry... rambling a little as I go back and forth between options.

Polk T15 Bookshelf Speakers - $50

That would be my suggestion. If you don't have an amp, get a Lepai Tripath 2020 (they're around $25) and some basic speaker wire and you'll be alright. Later, if you want some series bass, a $100 powered sub like a 10" Polk could be added to the mix, though the bookshelf speakers are going to be vastly, vastly better than your existing TV speakers.

To get started you need an amp and a set of speakers. Your budget will determine quite a bit about what you get.

With your budget you're looking at some bookshelf speakers and an amp as an AVR will just eat too much of it. I like using an AVR for 2.1 setups like you've requested but this time it's just not going to happen unless the budget increases.

My shopping list for you

Amp - Sony STRDH130 $100 2.0 receiver will give you more inputs, bass and treble control and a remote.

Sub - Dayton Sub 1200 $120 on sale. The 12" should get you more an enough bass to shake the floor. Just be sure to adjust the level of the sub more than on the AVR as you don't want to overdrive the speakers as they will not produce a lot of bass and you can't cross them over.

Speakers - JBL Loft 30 $40 or Polk T15 $50 Neither of these are "great" speakers but they will get the job done. You can upgrade down the road if you fell they are lacking.

Misc - Speaker wire $11, RCA to 3.5mm $7, and electricians tool$11. You don't have to get the tool but it makes stripping so much easier if you don't have one.

Total: $299 for the Polks and $289 for the JBL setup

*with tool included

Honestly good headphones are actually better than bad speakers! It’s not a bad way to watch movies and play games.

Of course real surround sound is great. Every time you’ve gone to the theater that’s what it is. With a receiver the sound is almost like the theater. Even if you don’t turn up the volume all the way it sound better because the sound is coming from every direction.

I live in a flat in NY myself so I can’t blast my system all the time. My receiver maxes out at 16.5 dB and I usually watch movies at -15 to -25 dB!!! That’s much lower than the max volume. To get the same sort of volume as the theater you have to set it to 0 dB.

Also with any receiver the bigger your speakers are the louder they are. For example if you have floor standing speakers they will output much more volume than bookshelf ones.

These are really good ones to start out with. I used to have 4 of them myself. On BF Best Buy and Amazon usually sell them for $50/pair. So it’s $100 for 4 (front left, front right, rear left, rear right). Then you just need a center channel speaker, a subwoofer and a receiver. If you shop right you can put together a full 5.1 system for about $550-600. That’s the price of a mid range sound bar and why I always tell people that they’re better off putting together their own setup especially if they have the room. Once you wire the speakers up once you never have to do it again. If you upgrade to better speakers you just take the wire out of the old ones and put it into the new ones.

https://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-T15-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B002RJLHB8

Hello,

I just wanted some opinions on my setup that I'm asking for Christmas. and yes I know buying used gear is a better choice but I can't expect people giving me gifts to go hunt at thrift stores and craigslist.

Denon DP 300F

Onkyo A-9010 Integrated Stereo Amplifier

Polk Audio T15 Bookshelf Speakers

The Denon has a pre-amp right? So, do I need the Onkyo Amp? If I don't "need" the Onkyo amp would it still be worth the money e.g. improve the sound a noticeable amount?

Is anything I'm buying too cheap or too expensive for my setup? (I'm looking for an entry level setup)

How much more will I get out of a better turntable like the Orbit U-Turn would I, a novice, notice a difference? And if I do get the Orbit (and the Onkyo) should I get the Orbit with or without the pre-amp?

Finally am I making any huge mistakes? Are there any better value options than the parts I've chose?

Cool thanks. These from Polk look pretty good to me. Now to find the SWA-9000s for cheap somewhere.

https://smile.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-T15-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B002RJLHB8/ref=sr_1_6

Polk Audio T15

Ok, this is what you need:

https://www.amazon.com/IEC-Speaker-Wire-Pair-Males/dp/B003U46G8I/

You wire up the speaker cable to a pair of bookshelf speakers, and you plug the RCA jacks into the back your subwoofer.

Here are some decent cheap bookshelf speakers to replace your satellites:

https://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-T15-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B002RJLHB8/

Hey, been having trouble deciding between similarly priced bookshelves in the $90-$130 range. Here are the speakers I'm looking at. I'll be using these for my 12' x 12' bedroom to listen to music.

Klipsch KB-15 - $130

BIC America DV62si - $105

Fluance SX6 - $130

Pioneer BS22 - $97(Probably the safest option , lots of nice reviews)

Polk Audio TSi100 - $130

Polk Audio T15 - $109

Honestly I could go on and on, there are a lot of speakers in that price range with good reviews on amazon.

Dayton Audio B652-AIR vs Monoprice 6.5in and Ribbon Tweeter

I'm looking for the same, however I can give my impressions of the speakers I already own

JBL Arenas... I love them, great flat responce. I have not tried the wall mount verison. Because I want another pair of my absolute favorite...

Sony SSCS5 3-Way don't over pay however they go on sale for $75 from time to time.

Of course the Bose 301... but also the old cheap Bose 201... They sound great and are very cheap.

The ABSOLUT MOST HORRIBLE are

Pioneer SP-BS22-LR and the

Polk Audio T15 100 The most horrible Mid Range Freqs are dominent in these spkrs.

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I got these Polk T15 Bookshelf speakers. Actually got recommended them by someone here.

I decided to pair my Audio-Technica LP120USBHC with:

YAMAHA A-S201 Integrated Amplifier and Polk Audio T15 Passive Speakers

Before making the purchase, I need to make sure they'll work perfectly together.

1. I've heard the amplifier should be 50% more powerful than the Speakers:
   
   Polk Audio T15:
   -Recommended Amplifier Power Per Channel: 20 watts → 100 watts
   
   Yamaha A-S201 Integrated Amplifier - Black
   -Power Output - Watts per CH 100 x 2
   
   I believe this is more than enough?
   
   Also, everything seems ok in terms of impedance (Speaker=8 Ohms and the amplifier can handle that).
   
   So, what else should I look out for in this case or in general when trying to match an amplifier with speakers?
   
   Also, when it comes to picking the amplifier, should I be looking for any other particular feature?
   
   Thanks!

Super basic Audio technica. I gradually built the system over time, but started with this stereo (used) and these speakers. Later I added some small surround speakers (system doubles as my tv speakers, too) as well as this sub. Granted I don't have a super trained ear, but all together it does sound awesome.

My recommendation is to not go cheap on the stereo side of things. Definitely don't get a record player with speakers built in. If it sounds shitty, you'll never end up using it. If you do want to start cheap with the record player, have it sound decent, but not have to get all the bells and whistles, Audio Technica sells this bundle that has the turntable and two speakers. If you start with that, eventually you can add the stereo receiver, better speakers, sub, etc.

These are about the only new speakers you can get for that price.
https://www.amazon.com/Dayton-Audio-B652-AIR-Bookshelf-Speaker/dp/B00NOA58RS

These are better
https://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-T15-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B002RJLHB8

That does look super nice... Unfortunately might be a bit more expensive than I was looking for.

Essentially my current receiver is powering my right speaker very poorly and I'm thinking its time to upgrade my whole system. I was hoping to not spend more than $300 on the receiver and $300 on new bookshelf speakers. I live in a relatively small NYC 1 bedroom.

Currently using this receiver: https://www.amazon.com/Sony-STR-DH100-2-Channel-Discontinued-Manufacturer/dp/B001TP3CH8

With these speakers: https://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-T15-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B002RJLHB8

Overall it sounds pretty unremarkable.

I bought these. After some research they were an obvious choice. They sound good, especially for the price. They are $100 right now I believe, but they go on sale fairly often. Also, I bought the amazon refurbished option and they're like new.

Good choice on the receiver. I'd really suggest staying away from vintage speakers that old. It's kind of like buying an old victorian house. Really cool until you find out all the money you have to dump into it. The only time I buy vintage speakers are when I find the dirt cheap AND they were high-end back in the day. Just my 2 cents but all of these are good bookshelf speaker options from $50-100 a pair (I personally like the Pioneer's best but they're all good budget speaker). You'll need speaker stands too ($40 plus) and might need to add a sub down the road if you want more bass ($100 plus).

Insignia NS-SP213 $50 pair
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/insignia-5-1-4-2-way-bookshelf-speakers-pair-black/8959098.p?id=1218957873370&skuId=8959098

JBL Loft 40 $65 pair
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DKPJSIM/

Polk T15 $65 pair
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002RJLHB8/
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/polk-audio-5-1-4-bookshelf-speakers-pair-black/8828012.p?id=1207956903491&skuId=8828012

Micca MB42X $89 pair
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E7H8GG2/

Pioneer SP-BS22-LR $91 pair
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008NCD2LG/
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/pioneer-4-bookshelf-speakers-pair-black/5086955.p?id=1218610014045&skuId=5086955

The other option is to bite the bullet again and get these tower speakers that are one of my personal favorites. It's less likely you'll need a sub and obviously won't have to by stands if you go this route.

Pioneer SP-FS52-LR Floor Speaker $182 pair
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008NCD2LG/
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/pioneer-5-1-4-floor-speaker-each-black/5086937.p?id=1218610014331&skuId=5086937

Unfortunately Vizio is not available in England :(

Maybe I might just get a soundbar then, thanks mate.

Also suppose I could get double the budget to £200 what would you recommend I mean I could get something like the diamond 9.1's and power them with this https://www.amazon.co.uk/SMSL-SA-36A-Audio-Stereo-Amplifier/dp/B017W13OR0

or even some polk t15's : https://www.amazon.co.uk/Polk-T15-Bookshelf-Speaker-Black/dp/B002RJLHB8/ref=sr_1_75?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1518990818&sr=1-75&keywords=speakers&refinements=p_36%3A5000-7000

for something in between the two price points.

Is the lack of sub a deal breaker, with the amount I would be spending on the perhaps it is just worth getting a better soundbar?

No its not. Two beautiful mid range floor-standing 60 series II speakers are only $240.

https://smile.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-Monitor-Floorstanding-Speaker/dp/B006QL0XXQ/

Or you could go for some nice mid range bookshelf speakers for only $70 a par

https://smile.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-T15-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B002RJLHB8/

Or if you want top end bookshelf speakers how about $200 a pair:

https://smile.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-TSi200-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B0018QRO9A/

Every one of these will offer better sound than some apple tin can pumping out compressed streamed shit quality iTunes music.

https://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-T15-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B002RJLHB8/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=1IU7R2EZJ79CS&keywords=polk+bookshelf+speakers&qid=1562420582&s=gateway&sprefix=polk+boo%2Caps%2C187&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1


https://www.amazon.com/Polk-10-Inch-Powered-Subwoofer-Single/dp/B0002KVQBA/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=4LE0KNSCOB7P&keywords=polk+subwoofer&qid=1562420649&s=gateway&sprefix=polk+s%2Caps%2C365&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1

Do either of these have built in preamps? Polk Audio T15 Bookahelf Speakers, Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers. Does "powered speaker" imply it has a built in preamp meaning I won't have to buy an external one?

For a small, but nice setup I'd look for a nice pair of vintage bookshelf speakers or invest in a new pair of bookshelf speakers. Something like these Polks. Polks generally excel at mid range and high range definition. They would be very portable and not so bassy or large as to draw a lot of attention. Then, when you get space for a bigger system you could add a sub, some bigger fronts, and use these for rear surrounds. If that's too much money, Pioneer is my second goto for small, clear, cheap bookshelf speakers. They haven't changed what they do in decades, but they haven't needed to either! Good luck!

Looking to get a new turntable during black friday sales. This one seems to be a good deal

https://www.turntablelab.com/products/denon-dp-300f-turntable-ortofon-2m-red-upgrade

my budget is $300 max as I want to pick up some speakers too, something like these:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002RJLHB8/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I10HZZRH7TN44N&colid=1MNHREKK5JRF3

If anyone has any other suggestions, I'd greatly appreciate it.

need help picking out a receiver

I recently bought a Technics Sl-BD20 as my first turntable
https://www.crutchfield.com/S-BSTqKQoW1DL/p_133SLBD20D/Technics-SL-BD20D.html

Then snagged some Polk speakers on sale at Fry's
https://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-T15-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B002RJLHB8

Now, I need help buying a receiver. Something powerful but cheap.

edit: need a receiver not an amp

ok what do you think of these?

Subwoofer https://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-10-Inch-Powered-Subwoofer/dp/B0002KVQBA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473000849&sr=8-1&keywords=PSW10

Center channel https://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-T30-Channel-Speaker/dp/B013LIN554/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473000909&sr=8-1&keywords=Polk+T30

Speakers 2 https://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-T15-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B002RJLHB8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473000961&sr=8-1&keywords=Polk+T15

Receiver https://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-VSX-531-5-1-Channel-Receiver-Bluetooth/dp/B01G5XKNKW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473001336&sr=8-1&keywords=Pioneer+VSX-531

Or this one https://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX-SR353-5-1-Channel-V-Receiver/dp/B01CZW7OD6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473001621&sr=8-1&keywords=Onkyo+TX-SR353

or even this one https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-RX-V381BL-Receiver-Black/dp/B01BY7YOAY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473001715&sr=8-1&keywords=yamaha+RX-V381

or https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-RX-V481BL-Receiver-Black/dp/B01BY7YPBC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473002972&sr=8-1&keywords=Yamaha+RX-V481

Hey guys, another clueless person here. I have an AT-LP120 with the default cartridge with a oldish [Onkyo TX-8211] (https://www.amazon.com/TX-8211-Stereo-Receiver-Discontinued-Manufacturer/dp/B00005T3WC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1472837895&sr=8-1&keywords=onkyo+tx8211) for my amp and phono stage. I have a bad pair of Phillips bookshelf speakers that are blown out and I definitely want to replace those. I was thinking a pair of [Polk audio T15's] (https://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-T15-Bookshelf-Speakers/dp/B002RJLHB8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1472837841&sr=8-1&keywords=polk+audio+t15) for speakers, but as a music producer, I'm not sure if I should get some studio monitors that can also function for my Hi-Fi setup, or if I should get my Hi-Fi setup and handle the production setup separately. If I'm gonna spend (ideally) under $200, which equipment should I upgrade and what recommendations do you have?

Oh and forgot this ones: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Polk-T15-Bookshelf-Speaker-Black/dp/B002RJLHB8?SubscriptionId=AKIAIO5XGFZDXTA6STSQ&tag=tropicalprice-21&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B002RJLHB8

if the speakers still work, you could get this

if the speakers aren't worth keeping, you could get this as well

You definitely can get excellent sound for $350, or less. It's just a matter of whether they integrate "smart features" or not. I'll take a pair of bookshelf speakers with Bluetooth over a smart speaker that sounds good but isn't smart at all. Here's an example for less than $350. Yes, I'm aware it's not a compact package, but are you taking your homepod somewhere?

Yamaha Stereo Bluetooth Receiver:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EMQI2CU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_g.DEAbBSNWZQM

Polk (Total $250):
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002RJLHB8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_K9DEAbANX73G8

Klipsch (Total $350): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MGQAH2M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_ZvFEAbVA0SGCQ

Bonus: Chromecast Audio
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/google-chromecast-audio-black/4532100.p?skuId=4532100&ref=212&loc=1&ksid=6465e409-54ed-4859-8101-a7005b7edd1e&ksprof_id=16&ksaffcode=pg265795&ksdevice=m&lsft=ref:212,loc:2