2.1 for home cinema?

mks2005 · 15 Sep 2011 at 15:12

I'm looking for a 2.1 speaker solution to pair with my new Samsung UE40D.

My budget is about £150, and I don't want anything insanely loud as I live in a semi detached house and don't want to disturb my neighbours too much.

I've been looking at the Acoustic Energy Aego M's as reviews seem to be positive, although I'm not sure how these would fare as TV speakers?

Advice and suggestions appreciated.

lucid · 15 Sep 2011 at 15:48

They're reasonable speakers, but are you happy to get up every time you want to change the volume? Also, they're designed for PC use up close on a desktop. The sound might not quite be the same if they're firing some distance to where you are sat.

Some will suggest using the headphone jack on the TV for a sound connection. It will solve the problem of volume control, but the sound quality isn't that good. You might find it buzzes a little or there's a little distortion. It depends how good the headphone socket circuits are on the TV, and they're rarely any good. It's just not a priority for the manufacturers. After all, when was the last time you plugged in headphones to a TV?

It's probably not what you first considered, but a small home cinema kit might be a better choice. It will certainly be easier to connect and control.

There are cinema kits with just two speakers and a sub plus a DVD player sized main unit. In fact there are even ones with Blu-ray players for around £150. Have a look at the LG HB44S. This has a Blu-ray player/integrated amp which has connections for your TV.

The other favourite of ours here is the Onkyo HTX22HDX. This has the same layout as the Aego Ms (a bass box & two small satellite speakers) but it also includes an amplifier built in to the sub and full remote control. The benefit here is that this has more inputs and better sound than the LG. The Onkyo is around £230 from discount outlets. It is definitely worth the extra money.

alchemistkevin · 15 Sep 2011 at 15:52

I would recommend the Onkyo HTX22HDX or it's older brother Onkyo HTX22HD.

However, if you decide to save money and buy something cheaper, look at the 2.1 powered speaker sets for desktops, Logitech or even Dell.

monkeyspank · 15 Sep 2011 at 16:13

STEREO

spudbynight · 15 Sep 2011 at 16:21

alchemistkevin said:
I would recommend the Onkyo HTX22HDX or it's older brother Onkyo HTX22HD.

However, if you decide to save money and buy something cheaper, look at the 2.1 powered speaker sets for desktops, Logitech or even Dell.

Probably your best best if you can stretch a little bit.

mks2005 · 15 Sep 2011 at 16:47

Thanks guys, the Onkyo ticks the boxes for me. Definitely considering it. I'll get saving.

Appreciate all the advice.

kg648 · 15 Sep 2011 at 19:53

Save first and then decide, it may change by next week and you might get something better for your money.

BinnsY · 15 Sep 2011 at 20:24

alchemistkevin said:
I would recommend the Onkyo HTX22HDX or it's older brother Onkyo HTX22HD.

However, if you decide to save money and buy something cheaper, look at the 2.1 powered speaker sets for desktops, Logitech or even Dell.

This, I have the Onkyo HTX22HDX hooked up to my TV and its a cracking bit of kit. It also gives you the option of changing to 5.1 if you so wish later on as well.