[EYEdROP]

 Im looking for the best value and honestly can't spend more than $80 on a pair of speakers. Their current setup is listening to the satellite tv music channels through cheap 7 year old LCD TV speakers that are -truly- awful sounding. So anything is an upgrade. He was going to upgrade the sound himself next year, but I don't want him to get ripped off at Best Buy. He was looking at the Bose 321 system, and some "1000 watt" RCA all in one satellite speaker system and was being very stubborn. 
 
Second hand is fine but new is always better. I imagine he wants something like bookshelf speaker size, or mabey smaller. Sound signature can't matter at this price, but a transparent midrange and/or wide soundstage would be nice.   
 
I have my beloved 2 channel Yamaha receiver I can give them, which has a remote. So thats covered.
 
Now I just need to find something to control the volume for my powered monitors, would a simple preamp do this for me? 
 
I know its not much to spend, but what are THE killer budget speakers to look out for? Something Chinese? Or is there any hidden gems in the consumer audio world (sony?) Please help me.
 
 

 

[soymilkftw]

so are we looking for just 2 speakers?  or do you already have active monitors and need something for volume control?
 
No offense but if you're dad is looking at a $1000 speaker system, then a 80 dollar set up with pale in comparison.  The improvised $80 dollar system would be the better bang for the buck, but the bose is a whole lotta bang.  
 
Talk to your dad and perhaps suggest to him other options in the 500-1500 price range a bose would run.  

 

[EYEdROP]

Yeah just 2 speakers to start out with, then eventually get a subwoofer and upgrade with time. He commented how expensive the 321 is and how he would never pay that much just for a stereo. He was basically drooling over the idea of it. Thats why the 1000 watt $125 RCA system caught his attention. 
 
 

 

[EYEdROP]

The active monitors are mine, so is the receiver. But Im giving them my receiver and replacing it with some sort of cheap way to control the volume.

 

[JRG1990]

For volume control you want a passive pot like http://www.tcelectronic.com/levelpilot.asp , or a mixer like http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/502.aspx .
 
Speakers for $80 Id recommend these http://www.amazon.com/Infinity-Primus-Two-Way-Bookshelf-Satellite/dp/B004649W1Y/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1323705421&sr=8-9 , excellent speakers for the money and have loads of good reviews.

 

[soymilkftw]

these aren't too bad either
http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-Two-Way-Bookshelf-Loudspeakers/dp/B000MGNDHE/?tag=vig-20
84 dollars, so it's just a tad overbudget.  
 
Monoprice also sells speakers, so consider those as well.  I haven't read too many reviews on them.
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=109&cp_id=10904&cs_id=1090407&p_id=8251&seq=1&format=2
 
54 dollars for a pair + shipping.  It's about 70 dollars with shipping.  

 

[priest]

Those Infinity Primus speakers are priced individually.

 

[trog]

$80ish you'd be looking at these suspects
 
Sony SS-B3000
Polk M10
Polk M30II (look for free ship and discounts @ Newegg)
 
Used perhaps these Primus P152s @ $65 and they look in decent condition 

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/ele/2746310501.html

 

[mibutenma]

If you can find something else cheap to put in the cart you can get $20 off with coupon code 3A825 You have to technically spend $100 to get coupon code.
 
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_732CB5/Energy-Connoisseur-CB-5.html?tp=186&avf=N&nvpair=FFBrand|Energy  $99.99 pair
 
 

 

[cifani090]

Dont go Bose!
 
IMO id go vintage since you could spend $400-800 and get a setup thats comparable to a $8000 to $13000 setup in modern equipment.

 

[EYEdROP]

So this is what happened: I drove 60 miles to pick up a pair of Polk M3i speakers for $40. Got them home and the tweeters did not work. The guy wouldn't give me my money back and I was very angry. I ended up giving my parents my B2031A monitors and receiver. Now I am speakerless.  

 

[cifani090]

Quote:

So this is what happened: I drove 60 miles to pick up a pair of Polk M3i speakers for $40. Got them home and the tweeters did not work. The guy wouldn't give me my money back and I was very angry. I ended up giving my parents my B2031A monitors and receiver. Now I am speakerless.  

Why did you drive 60 miles?! That is wayyy too far. Tell me where you are and ill craigslist some good gear for you and tell me your budget.
 

 

[EYEdROP]

I have a fuel efficient car and highway speeds so it was actually pretty quick and cost me about $11 in gas to do it. Prescott craigslist has nothing. Phoenix craigslist is where I do most of my shopping. Budget is $150 max, which means look at the $200 obo speakers.

 

[cifani090]

I found some great speakers, in the order i would buy. 1,2,3,4
 
*** The last ones, JBL's, are great investment speakers but im waiting conformation on the model number. The woofers would probably be in the $500-$1500 range, but im not sure as ive got to look them up and do a bit of research.