What are the best Surround audio speakers?

Answer 1

he who's user name is too long, is spot on, I'd only add that you need not break the bank to get much better sound than anything you're currently used to (if the TV or a simple stereo is what you're used to). A decent receiver and polk's entry models (center, front, rears and sub) will impress you and anyone who's not a snob/over reaching audiophile

Answer 2

There are lots of brands and models - each with a slightly different flavor.

You should understand a few things:

- You want an array of 5 nearly identical speakers so they tone-match (The center is usually longer but thats ok)

- You DONT need highly accurate music speakers for movies. Less expensive, but decent speakers work great.

- A self powered, external subwoofer is better than tower speakers with built-in woofers/subwoofers.

- When auditioning, use a favorite CD to listen. Music is music is a harder task to reproduce and will show things about a speaker.

Generally - a good set of speakers start at about $600 and can go to $2,500. Good external subwoofers from SVS, HSU Research start from about $600- $1,500

(Yes - the subwoofer can be about the same price as the other speakers, but a Subwoofer is what really impresses people with low, tight sounds.)

Hope this helps.