If not Bose - then what?

[Table 5]

Let me preface this by saying I am definitely not an audiophile, and am asking because I realize there are people who know about this much more than me.

I'm looking to get some small speakers for my tiny NY apartment that I want to use to mainly play songs off the computer, as well as use with my HDTV/PS3. Ideally some sort of 2.1 or 5.1 setup that takes up as little room as possible (again, my apartment is tiny....so minimizing "stuff" is paramount), and my budget (around $300-400) also reflects that.

I really like the look/size of the 2.1 or 5.1 Bose Acoustimass small square speakers, but it seems like Bose is universally reviled by anyone who knows anything about audio. My question is, if not Bose, then what's a better alternative in the same price AND size range? The Bose system to me looks great and I love it's small package, but it seems like there are a lot better sounding options out there, so I'd love to hear what other people can recommend.

I'm a visual guy, so definitely would prefer something that looks as nice as it sounds, but at this price range, I know I can't be picky.....however the definitely have to be as small as possible.

Any ideas?

[GoinAllTheWay]

Take a look at logitech speakers. Truly amazing, they have probably one of the best 5.1 systems I have seen in your price range. There was a particular set that was VERY popular but haven't seen them in a while, they may have been disconintued. They were meant to be computer speakers but were so good that people started using them as part of their home theatre setup.

Harmon Kardon also makes a pretty good speaker. They are the only two speaker manufacturers I have ever bought from, on my 3rd set of logitech.

Honestly, check them out. Very attractive desgin as well.

**edit**

These seem to be logitechs most current offering:

http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/PID-MX3858(ME).aspx

Haven't had a chance to hear them myself but if they are anything like the last generation, you wont' be dissapointed.

Ya, read the reviews in the link above, they sound like they are nice.

[Table 5]

Interesting, I haven't really thought about Logitech as I always thought they would be mostly computer speakers, and although they looked a little too computer techy for home theatre use (sorry, art fag here, how it looks matters to me). I'll take a look though!

[Canada 02]

my family has an old version of the Bose Acousitmass 5(?). They are probably 20 years old and still sound great

[Table 5]

You can get the 5.1 Acoustimass for 399, which to me is not a bad deal. They sounded pretty good to me, but I keep hearing there are better options out there from those "in the know". Only problem is I have yet to find something that provides all the other qualities (looks good, smaller package where I can hide certain elements).

[Pastiche]

I have a set of logitech Z-2300 that I bought for $150. Awesome speakers. Not 5.1 (I don't like 5.1) but you can get the same series in the logitech Z-5300 I believe.

[Table 5]

Why don't you like 5.1? Again, Im showing my ignorance here, but isn't it a case of more being better?

[Sliver]

I'm a Polk Audio guy. I have a set of speakers upstairs and downstairs, but I'm not sure if they make something small like you are looking for. When I went speaker shopping a couple of years ago I set out to buy the best sounding speakers to me - forget what the reviews/mags/audiophiles had to say. I'm telling you, Polks were the best and they aren't crazy expensive.

***

Okay just looked on the Polk website and I found these bookshelf speakers that may have the look you're after: http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/r...php?s=rm8#rm85. Unfortunately, it doesn't say anything about price on their site, but I'm sure there isn't any shortage of shops in NY so you will probably be able to find them.

***

Okay, so it's a slow day at work for me lol. I looked up all the locations that are supposed to carry that series of speaker in your area and there are quite a few. Best Buy apparently has some solid deals right now in the States (per some people on another forum) so maybe call them.

Best Buy Store # 609
622 BROADWAY
New York, NY 10012
212-238-9000

***

Edit: Here's a package with the sub included, but the front speakers aren't as bad-ass looking. http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/r...hp?s=rm8#rm705

[psicodude]

I think Bose is hated not so much because the product is bad, but more that they are massively over-priced for what you get. Honestly though, if the look and size of the speaker is your number one priority, they Bose are going to be hard to beat.

[sclitheroe]

I would consider the AudioEngine A2 speakers. The A5's might be overkill - they are enough for a small reception at a hall (although still bookshelf sized overall). I use the A2's in my living room, and they are tremendous. Shocking how good speakers that small can sound, both volume wise as well as bass response, overall fidelity, etc.

I'm not a fan of surround sound so I can't comment on a 5.1 solution (to be honest, I find most small 5.1 setups to be really anemic, especially for music). But for big sound from small speakers for a reasonably small space, I think the AudioEngines are absolutely fantastic.

[Pastiche]

Originally Posted by Table 5

Why don't you like 5.1? Again, Im showing my ignorance here, but isn't it a case of more being better?

I just find it distracting and gimmicky for the most part. Personal preference, I've heard some good 5.1 but I don't want cords all over my living room and I dont' want speakers everywhere. I like my living room to be multi-function like not always used for just the tv, speakers everywhere is obtrusive in that sense.

[Table 5]

Originally Posted by Sliver

Okay just looked on the Polk website and I found these bookshelf speakers that may have the look you're after:

Damn, now that's good service!! I'll definitely take a look.

[OBCT]

My quick advice would be to check out Vanns' website here. It could be a good starting place for you.

Search all the "home theater" speaker systems $300~$600 and you will get an idea of the systems I might be comfortable recommending for your needs. There are some pretty good deals on there right now, actually.

(Remember to keep in mind that you will probably want/need a subwoofer, so you will want to factor in the added cost of one into those system that do not include one for that price.)

[Vulcan]

I'm not an audiophile but going by reviews and for a small room the Onkyo HT-S3200 may be a decent choice.

http://reviews.cnet.com/home-theater...-33560952.html

[photon]

http://www.orbaudio.com/

More expensive, but they look cool and I've heard good things about them.

ETA: Here's a site I've dealt with in the past with good success: http://www.electronicsforless.ca

[ricosuave]

not sure if your willing to go this route or not, but check out your local kijiji and craigslist - due to the economy, lots of people are getting rid of stuff, might be able to find a good set at a great price... found a smoking deal on a wharfdale pair (locally) here in the summer for that very reason. Obviously, you will want to test it before hand...

[ricosuave]

Originally Posted by photon

http://www.orbaudio.com/

More expensive, but they look cool and I've heard good things about them.

ETA: Here's a site I've dealt with in the past with good success: http://www.electronicsforless.ca

note the upper left hand corner...

[Komskies]

Isn't BOSE a backronym for Buy Other Stereo Equipment?

[photon]

Originally Posted by ricosuave

note the upper left hand corner...

Sorry I'm missing what you are pointing out. Unless you mean the picture of the US? They make the speakers in the US, but they ship everywhere.

[ricosuave]

No, I'm pointing out that they will do demos in NY



To Set Up A Demo Call
(877) 672-2834 or Email