Help me find a good/affordable home speaker system

Well, a few days ago, I got one of those 5 piece home theater systems on sale, for only $50. I thought, "sure, why not," and got them. Well, turns out either I got a lemon of they're crap (I'm thinking the latter). After only the second day of useage, one of the rear speakers is crackling (no, I haven't been playing my music really loud). So yeah, I'm really bummed.

If anyone has found an affordable speaker system (affordable, for me, meaning around $200), please let me know. I've been looking around on the web, and a lot of them I've found come with DVD players (which I don't really need; I could do without the extra cost). All and any help is appreciated!

Klipsch.

Bose

I haven't tried this one out myself, but I've heard good things about HSU's speaker system. At $300, it may be a bit over-budget.

http://www.hsustore.com/vt12.html

I own an HSU subwoofer -- great bass for the money. The company is well-known for its customer service, as well.

If you're looking to spend a bit more on speakers -- check out http://www.Axiomaudio.com, and read around their forums. They make simply stunning speakers for their price range. After shopping around and listening to "popular brand" bookshelf speakers(mainstream -- JBL, Bose, etc ), (and owning some myself -- Klipsch, Polk, Sony, Audiosource), there's no turning back. Of course, it's all about preference. Some people may prefer Bose's sound, others don't. I don't. It works the same way for Axiom, of course. But I like those

Both Axiom and HSU are mostly internet companies, but don't let that scare you. They both offer fantastic customer service.

HERESY!

Hey thanks a lot roffles--I'll definatly check out those sites.

Oh, and welcome to the forums! I can see you're going to fit in nicely.

The man said he only had 200 bucks...

..and BoaB actually owns Klipsch... When we were roommates, he would mercilessly mock my Bose, while I nursed a secret envy for his Klipsch Heresies...

If you are going to go for surround, that HSU link looked pretty good for the money. Klipsch's Cinema 8 package goes for about $1200.

Holy *&%$! I think that, from my investigations so far, I'd be best off going to Walmart and getting a pair of computer speakers for $20....

It's a sad fact that, when you shop for speakers, you pay for what you get. And vice-versa.

your past envy wasn't so secret, you know.

But what you say is true about value for money...

www.pricewatch.com

trust me.... works even better if ur building a computer.