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Topic: how to purchase speakers off the internet (Read 6003 times) previous topic - next topic
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how to purchase speakers off the internet

I am looking for advice on purchasing a 2.0 speaker set from an online store.  The speakers will be on a TV stand on each side of a TV and a foot away from the wall.  I don't have room for a subwolfer.  Primary content will be TV, movies, and music, in that order.

Due to my residence and work location/schedule, I am a long distance - and have no time - to visit any kind of retail home theater store to audition speakers in person.

I have been doing alot of searching on sites like Crutchfield, Newegg, Harmony, AVSforum, Head-fi, etc.  To be honest, I feel like the retail sites are more helpful than the "expert" sites.

I like what I see from the reviews of Polk Audio, but I have never heard them in person.

Aside from purchase reviews, and comparing technical specifications, is there anything else that can help me make an informed (and hopefully good) purchase decision?

how to purchase speakers off the internet

Reply #1 –
What are you going to use to amplify the signal to the speakers, or are you looking at active speakers?

I bought a sound-bar (Vizio) for my TV from Costco after reading the on-line critiques.  Most people tend to be fairly honest, especially with the negatives.  When someone is well-informed, it is quite clear from the review they write, and those opinions are the ones worth paying the most attention to.  The other nice thing about buying mine from Costco is their no-questions-asked return policy.  If you get it and hate it, you can send it back or just take it to your local store for a full instant cash refund.  The sound bar I got comes with or without a small wireless sub.  TV doesn't need a sub, but movies are usually improved.  With the sub it was almost $300.  Without it is under $100.  I have been completely happy with it for TV and movies.  Music playback is so-so.  I have a separate 2-chanel stereo for audio playback, so this wasn't a concern. 

So make sure anything you can buy without audition is something you can return.

Some high-end speakers, like Bower and Wilkins, aren't typically sold on-line.  However, if you want something quite good, they might be worth the time and trouble.

how to purchase speakers off the internet

Reply #2 –
All I can say is buyer beware after buying a pair via eBay only to find they came without the active crossovers and the seller AWOL.

how to purchase speakers off the internet

Reply #3 –
Until you hear them in your room, you won't really know what they sound like.

In this respect, even shop demos are of limited use - though far better than none at all.

Some small-ish but respected active speakers sound like the right thing for you - but beware that lots of people commenting on-line won't be sitting them next to a TV on a shelf 1ft from a wall.

As long as you avoid something that's plain nasty, it's surprising what you can get used to.

Cheers,
David.

how to purchase speakers off the internet

Reply #4 –
In all my purchases, Amazon is the one I go first, cause of their excellent return policy. I have bought new speakers off ebay too though, discounted. I have never had a bad ebay experience with a seller, but you have to know how to pick them. Higher sell count, AND higher rating of course make the best. And don't forget to read the negative reviews.

There are manufacturers like Aperion audio whose speakers look pretty good price-wise, but unfortunately since they are direct sellers you probably can't audition them, but you can try them for free at home, which is better, actually.

how to purchase speakers off the internet

Reply #5 –
Can you provide an estimate of what you are willing to spend?  I am not trying to be nosy, but knowing it help giving adequate answers.
 

how to purchase speakers off the internet

Reply #7 –
Quote from: hellokeith on
Quote from: thesurfingalien on
Can you provide an estimate of what you are willing to spend?  I am not trying to be nosy, but knowing it help giving adequate answers.

$150 for the pair, give or take


That's a very reasonable speaker for the price. I don't think there's much credible competition at $75/speaker so I'd just go for it!