Best Reviewed
Home Theater Speakers
- Budget home-theater speakers Yamaha NS-SP1800 *Est. $120
- Best value home-theater speakers Energy Take Classic 5.1 *Est. $400
- Best home-theater speakers Definitive Technology ProCinema 600 *Est. $800
- Compact home-theater speakers Cambridge Audio Minx S215 *Est. $800
- High-end home theater speakers Definitive Technology ProCinema 800 *Est. $1200
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- Inexpensive
- Solid-wood construction
- Good sound quality
- Very large front satellite speakers
- No powered subwoofer
- Somewhat inefficient
For those on a tight budget, experts and users say the five-channel Fluance AVHTB+ home-theater speaker system is an incredible value and a solid performer. Sound quality is first-rate, but the system lacks a subwoofer. While the 6-inch woofers within the front satellite speakers do a good job of handling the low end in smaller listening areas, they can't quite deliver the full impact of some of Hollywood's high-octane films. The speakers -- especially the front-channel surround speakers -- are large compared to most alternatives; additional speakers (*Est. $40 each) and a subwoofer (*Est. $200) are available as options. For those on the tightest budgets, the Yamaha NS-SP1800 (*Est. $120) is well-received by owners. The NS-SP1800 is better for movies than for music and expectations need to be reasonable, but you won't find a full 5.1 surround-sound system that sounds better for anywhere near its price.
Among professional reviews, we found the most credible reporting at CNET, which evaluates and rates more home-theater speaker systems than anyone else. We also saw some opinions from nontraditional reviewers, including technology blog TechDose.com and InsideMacGames.com, a review site for Apple Macintosh gamers. These reviews are all now several years old, but the AVHTB+ has remained unchanged except for some minor upgrades. User reviews offer a more contemporary look at how the speakers fare. AudioReview.com has a good assortment of these, some of which are as detailed as reports written by experts. Some additional user reviews can be seen at Amazon.com.
Fluance AVHTB+ Surround Sound Home Theater 5 Speaker System
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| Fluance AVHTB+ Surround Sound Home Theater 5 Speaker System | |
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Our Sources
1. CNET
Reviewer Steve Guttenberg says no one will confuse the Fluance AVHTB+ with home-theater speaker systems costing five times more, but there's still much to admire. While this report is older, the AVHTB+ is largely unchanged save for some minor upgrades, and CNET continues to include the speakers on its updated list of top home-theater speakers.
Review: Fluance AV-HTB 5, Steve Guttenberg, April 4, 2003
While InsideMacGames.com isn't the first place most consumers would think of as a source for reviews of home-theater speakers, this effort by Greg Gant is fairly strong. Discussion of the Fluance AVHTB+ is detailed, pros and cons are listed, and a rating is provided.
Review: Fluance AV-HTB, Greg Gant, Oct. 16, 2003
3. TechDose.com
This is one of the few reviews on this technology information site. While it isn't the most sophisticated write-up, this review of the Fluance AVHTB+ has the advantage of being based on "several years" of use.
Review: Fluance AV-HTB Review, Wayne Eggert, March 7, 2005
This website is home to more than 35 reviews of the Fluance AVHTB+ home-theater speaker system. While some are brief, others are remarkably detailed, rivaling the efforts of some professional critics. Most owners are pleased, giving the speakers an overall rating of more than 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Review: Fluance AV-HTB Home Theater Speaker Systems Reviews, Contributors to AudioReview.com
5. Amazon.com
While there are fewer reviews posted here than at AudioReview.com, the pattern of owner satisfaction is as high or higher. Only one reviewer rates the Fluance AVHTB+ at less than 4 out of 5 stars, and the majority give the speakers a perfect score. Value and sound quality are praised.
Review: Fluance AVHTB+ Surround Sound Home Theater 5 Speaker System, Contributors to Amazon.com
Home Theater Speakers Runners Up:
4 picks including: Amazon.com, Home Theater Magazine…
2 picks including: Engadget.com, Home Theater Magazine…
2 picks including: Amazon.com, Home Theater Magazine…
Klipsch HD 500 Compact 5.1 Home Theater System (Set of Six, Black)
In Stock.
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