Klipsch HD 500 or ...?

[k0mpressor]

Looking to purchase new audio equipment for a HTPC.

Primary use would be for music, with the occasional movie. Currently just have a set of the Klipsch Promedia 2.1 computer speakers hooked up to the HTPC now, and I love the sound of them. Just time to go bigger

I'm not sure if i'm just defaulting to Klipsch as I am fairly impressed with the set I have now, or if this is actually a good set http://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-HD-500...4018335&sr=8-1

Anyone have any similar recommendations in the less than $500 price range? Should I avoid pre-compiled sets such as these? Or should I piece everything together myself?

And iff you're feeling really nice, prior experience with receivers would be appreciated as well!

Thanks!

 

[fralexandr]

in the $500 range there are a lot of competitors; the following one's i've seen on sale recently (but aren't atm):
energy take 5
energy micro 5.0/5.1
martin logan mlt

onkyo htib's come with full featured receivers
http://www.shoponkyo.com/products_refurb.cfm?specials=1&group_id=1

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pioneer makes some nice budget "high efficiency" (class D) receivers if heat output is a problem
i.e. pioneer vsx-521
onkyo, yamaha, and denon are known for their quality budget class A/B receivers
i.e. onkyo 509
mostly you should look for what features you want/need, 5.1 or 7.1 being the most obvious
do you want 3D support? if you don't you can go with older receivers

 

[fralexandr]

fyi martin logan mlt-2 on sale at newegg for $300

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc..._-82981013-L0D

one of newegg's reviewers likes the mlt-2 more than the klipsch hd 500
a few people on martin logan's "insider's" club like the mlt-2 more than the klipsch
my cousin likes his set as well, he had a 5.0 set of polks that were too muddy

i wouldn't really trust the martin logan club though to be completely unbiased though

 

[weez82]

If you want surround sound I would go with the MartinLogan speaker set and Pioneer receiver from newegg. would be $460 and have more features and better sound

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16882981013

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16882117397