Hey audiophiles

[CheapToad]

Since I just my new 65" DLP TV I think I need some new speakers also. The thing is I'm cheap. Can you recommend an inexpensive speakers system?

[Morning]

Your asking for cheap speakers in a thread called "Hey audiophiles"? Now THAT is funny.

Anyway, on a small budget (read: <$1000) you should check out the various home theater in a box sets - the only one I've actually had a chance to hear was from Panasonic. It had wireless rear speakers and sounded pretty good. Stay away from anything Bose. Way overpriced for what you get.

For a separate receiver and speakers of decent quality, it would be difficult to say under a grand. Otherwise, I'm a big fan of Paradigm speakers. I would suggest checking out their "Monitor" or "Cinema" lines. Both have speakers with good sound at a reasonable price. Only thing is you need to find an authorized dealer to buy them if you want a valid warranty.

[Savistik]

One thing to consider if you want cheap and small is computer speakers. I don't mean the gimpy crappy ones, but the THX certified ones like Logitech has:

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/speakers_audio/home_pc_speakers/devices/224&cl=us,en

For $400 you can't beat the sound and the Dolby Digital and DTS decoders all built in with a remote.

Plus, when you decide to really go audophile, you can use the speakers on your computer.

[Harblar]

I agree with Morning... Depending on the "audiophile" you could be looking anywhere from $5000 - $15,000 for a "cheap" system. :D

Several things to consider before going after a speaker system...

1.) Room size and number of speakers: Are you looking to have stereo speakers. 5.1, 6.1, 7.1, etc. I'm guessing some kind of surround sound system, so Room size comes more into play. For example... Based on my room setup I've only got enough space for a 5.1 setup (mind you I've got some nice big tower speakers). I'd love to have a nice 7.1, but to make it work and actually see the benefit I'd have to knock out the wall behind the couch and extend into my bedroom... and realistically (unless your hardcore and planning to load up on blueray) 7.1 still isn't widely used enough on movies. Still comes down to preference though.

2.) Budget and end goal: I know you're looking cheap, but you still got to have a max point. Another thing to consider is, do you need it all at once? The nice thing about speakers (especially higher quality ones) is that it'll be many years before you need to upgrade them. In the long run you might be better off to just add a couple of nice speakers every few months than to go out and buy some complete package system that's only mediocre at best.

3.) Does your plan and budget take into account a receiver and/or other home theater components (blueray, dvd, cd, etc)? The best speakers in the world are worthless if they aren't being supplied a good signal and enough power. Conversely the best receiver can't make crap speakers sound like anything more than garbage.

My advice would be to put the funds into a solid receiver and a good pair of tower speakers and then add the rest of the surrounds as you can afford. I've been down the exact same path you're starting on. You may spend a little more in the end, but the Headaches you save yourself on top of the increased theater experience you'll have will be worth it. ;)

I would definitely check out these guys... Emotiva (www.emotiva.com)
I've got the LPA-1 (new model is the UPA-7) amp and plan to get the UMC-1 processor when it's released (separates is Awesome!!). These guys are a smaller company, but their equipment is top notch reliable and priced considerably lower than comparable brands like Marantz and Denon. They're also doing speakers and soon to have a really nice dual subwoofer system. They also have some of the best customer support I've ever experienced. One phone call and you could easily find yourself talking to the owner, Lonnie. Great people. Anyway, hope that helps you get started. :D

[CheapToad]

Good advice. Thanks guys. All I want is something better then the speakers that are in the TV now. The suggestions you made a perfect.

[ThaMan]

Being that I am going deaf, I use $20 headphones. Beats the hell out of $15,000 speakers. ;)

Tinnitus (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tinnitus)and hearing loss are the suck.