Fluance AVHTB

Bottom Line

For those on tight budgets, experts and users say the Fluance AVHTB is an incredible value and a solid performer. Sound quality is first rate, but the system lacks a subwoofer. The large front satellites do a good job of delivering on the low end, but they can't deliver the deep impact found in high-octane films. While it's an overall solid choice, the Yamaha NS-SP1800 (*Est. $120) is the king among budget-priced surround-sound systems.

Performance

Good performance despite only so-so low-end performance. The Fluance AVHTB (also known as the Fluance AVHTB+) lacks a powered subwoofer, so it's unrealistic to expect the deep, driving bass and booming special effects found in fast-action Hollywood movies. Even so, the AVHTB -- with its rather large front satellite speakers -- does a reasonable job with low frequencies. Movies and music sound pretty good in smaller rooms, especially considering the budget price of these speakers. If gut-thumping lows are a must, Fluance also offers the DB-150 (*Est. $250), a matching 150-watt power subwoofer.

Reviewers say the AVHTB is rather inefficient -- meaning it won't live up to its potential with cheaper receiver setups. While it doesn't come close to more expensive systems, the Fluance AVHTB still manages surprisingly good sound quality for a meager price.

Design

Large front-channel towers. The Fluance AVHTB is no slouch for size; its two full-size tower speakers are about 33 inches tall and weigh about 27-pounds each. The AVHTB isn't ideal for disappearing in a room, so those concerned with stealth may be better served by a more compact satellite and subwoofer speaker system like the Energy Take Classic 5.1 (*Est. $400) . While the black ash finish looks fine, it doesn't exactly turn heads. Grills on each speaker are removable.

Build Quality

Quality wood enclosures. Reviewers praise the Fluance AVHTB for its quality wood enclosures. The front-channel towers include all-metal connectors that accept banana plugs; the center-channel and surround speakers accept bare speaker wire and pin connectors. The front and center-channel speakers are magnetically shielded.

In addition, the rear speakers (*Est. $45 each), front speakers (*Est. $200 per pair) and center speaker (*Est. $80) are available separately.

Value

Great sound for the price. While experts say that the Yamaha NS-SP1800 represents the best bang for the buck for surround-sound speaker buyers on a tight budget, reviewers say that the Fluance AVHTB presents a great value as well. Sound quality is quite good, especially for those who don't care about the low-frequency rumble of action flick special effects. The lifetime warranty adds a measure of peace of mind, and we saw no complaints about the company's customer service.