[xsb7244]

What can get me better sound for cheap but good quality.  I am interested in using 2 speakers only.  Best bang for the buck?

[Tyson]

What's your current setup?

[xsb7244]

general question.  like most people I have a flat screen TV.  sound bar?  Audio video receiver for 2 speakers only?  What do you guys use?

[HsvHeelFan]

I've got an Onkyo AV receiver that's feeding  Left and Right fronts and a center channel and a sub.    They're Polks and they're better than the TV sound.  Although I don't consider it serious audio.

I have the back monitors laying around somewhere, but hardly ever use them.  3.1 works for me. 

The TV sends digital to the AV receiver and it decodes it and sends the audio where it needs to go.

Nowadays, there are wireless rear speakers and subwoofers that are available.

For serious audio, I use a dedicated 2.1 channel system that's in a completely separate part of the house from the TV.

HsvHeelFan

[JLM]

Powered/active loudspeakers, just plug them into the TV (that has stereo outputs).  Just add cable/satellite box and smart DVD player (like an Oppo to access the web) and you're set.

Adam A3X ($650/pair, F3 = 60 Hz, desktop sized with great room filling sound) would be an excellent choice.  Audioengine A2+ ($250/pair, F3 = 65 Hz, palm sized with good sound) would be a good lower cost option.

[NIGHTFALL1970]

JLM,
would the speakers sound better if you bypass the TV all together and go from the cable box or reciever/ processor directly to the speakers?

[mcgsxr]

On the main floor TV, I am running a small Pioneer AVR, and a 3.1 setup.  Logitech remote, and the whole family can use it fine.

In the basement, I have a full 5.1 setup.  Another Logitech remote there, and most functions are simple to use.  Only the use of a streaming TV device warrants the use of an iPad as the remote for it, as it is simpler to navigate vs teaching the Logitech.

[JLM]

JLM,
would the speakers sound better if you bypass the TV all together and go from the cable box or reciever/ processor directly to the speakers?

Probably so, but this is a somewhat compromised premise anyway, so I'd say whichever is easier.

[rollo]

What can get me better sound for cheap but good quality.  I am interested in using 2 speakers only.  Best bang for the buck?

 
  Don't shoot me. Bose offers a self powered speaker and sub for under $500. Plugs into the digital out of your TV. IMO our brain cannot concentrate on both video and music at the same time.
   The affect of the sub though can be more noticeable than any other part of the spectrum. Go listen to a Bose and be very surprised.


charles

[smargo]

  Don't shoot me.



charles

[Hank]

+1

[rockadanny]

Adam A3X

How could one add a pair of subs to a setup using these monitors?

[low.pfile]

delete.

[avahifi]

I picked up  an $80 HDMi splitter from Monoprice that also had SPDIF digital coax output.  It strips out the digital audio from the HDMI signal ahead of the built in DAC and audio circuits in the cable box.  I can run this digital signal into my DAC and audio components and get great TV audio from anything I watch on TV.  This arrangement really works well.

Frank Van Alstine

[rockadanny]

That is way cool Frank. Thank you for sharing. 

[JLM]

How could one add a pair of subs to a setup using these monitors?

Look for subs with low level inputs and outputs, then connect source to the subs and the subs to the A3X (or any powered/active speaker).  Note that if you're planning on running a sub (or two), a powered speaker like the PSB Alpha PS1 (smaller 2-way, $300/pair, F3 = 80 Hz) is designed with a variable volume output (ideal for a sub).

[rockadanny]

Excellent idea! Thanks!