Using this with a Sony BD player and Onkyo 5.1 amp linked via coax audio; TV via HDMI. After all settings were completed, the action and big explosions sounded great. If you listen to movies using TV speakers, you don't know what you're missing.
BUT I couldn't hear dialog. Checked all settings, and searched online forums. I tried to boost the dB for the center but still couldn't hear. Speakers are connected via Monster Cable instead of the flimsy speaker cable provided (so small the connectors won't even hold it). Then I used the test tone from the amp to find out the center channel speaker doesn't work. I'm using an existing bookshelf speaker for center for now.
Otherwise, the bases sound fine and rest of the speakers seem more than powerful enough for my tiny home theater room. Watched Journey to the Center of the Earth in 3-D with 6-year old, and the combination 3-D video and 3-D audio were a winner with him.
For a small room, with a decent amp and proper cables (do yourself a favor, and get at least 16-gauge) this set should work just fine for most movie lovers. Audiophiles should look elsewhere. And test all speakers before you throw out the packaging (as I did).
UPDATE: after mentioning to Amazon the center channel was not working but I didn't want to pack everything up, they promptly shipped me a new set FOC - with pre-paid return as well. Next day. New center channel works great, and sound has greatly improved. Nicely done! Yamaha NS-SP1800BL 5.1-Channel Home Theater Speaker Package
For the price I didn't expect much from these speakers, and when I got them they definitely exceeded my expectations. I have always been a fan of Yamaha audio equipment and when I was looking for a decent (cheap) set of 5.1 speakers for my Onkyo SR606 I came across this set and thought I'd give them a try. Much to my pleasure they work great! I am only using 3.1 right now but the sound is far superior to any pre-packaged HTS that I have looked at.
PROS - Price, quality of build, sound quality
CONS - plastic casing/style (not the greatest for displaying around your house) This is a very minor con!
It took me weeks of research before I purchased this product. I liked the idea of the Yamaha name, but was concerned the quality would be less than optimal because the price was so low. While I am not an audiophile I like to have the best my limited money can buy. The 6 Ohm rating was a big hiccup for me as well, as 8 ohm is what all receiver ratings are calculated on. But after looking closely at the manual for my receiver I found it supported 6-16 Ohm speakers. So we were good there. My receiver, a Pioneer VSK-519 showed up before my speakers so I hooked it up to some Sony book shelf speakers to "test it out". When the Yamaha speakers came I was only able to hook up three of the five speakers with the included speaker wire, so I used the Sony's as R and L. The Sony's put out noticeably more sound than the Yamaha's which was at first concerning to me. And once I got them out of the way I had to turn the receiver up higher to get the same output. I watch movies right around 50-52 when with the Sony speakers, I was quite happy at 40. I suspect this is related to the 82 db rating (and the only reason I give it 4 stars instead of 5). But turning the Amp up a little higher is not a big deal and the Receiver has been very happy in it's low ventilation area, and is in no danger of overheating.
I also upgraded my speaker wire to 16 gauge and have not noticed a difference.
Other thoughts, even though the Sub is a 100W amp, it only produces 50W of output, just like it says on the Manufacture site. So Amazon was a little misleading there. No big deal, because the Sub is quite adequate in my 1200 sqft house, it is everywhere, my poor wife.
My Brother who spent well over $1000 on his surround sound (Mine: $100.98 speakers, $165 receiver, $10 in speaker wire) said my setup sounded better than his, we were watching UP on Blu-ray. That made me very happy! So it was well worth it, and I have been very pleased with the whole set up.
On a side note I definitely recommend the Pioneer VSK-519. It is the only receiver in it's class (<$200) that accepts and uses audio via HDMI from your sources, where most do "pass through" and therefore make you bring your audio via digital coax or optical. This is great because you need HDMI or 5 pairs of RCA cables (My BD player only has HDMI out) to get true loss-less audio.
I definitely recommend these speakers for people on a budget, but if I had an extra $100 I would have gotten some Energy Take 5 speakers paired with a Polk sub. But no regrets and I don't plan on upgrading them anytime soon.
You will not belive your ears. For the price you cannot get better sound. ou will need to spend 5 times or more to match, let alone beat the sound qualty. Sub is powered and all the speakers look great. They will look great on stands or on end tables like I have them. They are 6 ohms which means they need more power than 8 ohms speakers to get same result. I have them with yamaha 463 receiver and they sound great. I'am very happy.
After spending weeks looking for a good middle of the road quality speaker system I finally found this gem and I am pleased with the results. This was the last piece to my home theater setup and for the price, the quality just can't be beat. I bought this to be used with my Onkyo RC160 receiver and the two go together nicely.
Once of the things I am pleased about is the great quality of sound for the small size of these things. They are literally about the size of pc speakers but deliver such clear sound. The L/R Channel in both the front and rear are the same size and deliver great highs and good medium range sound and the Sub takes care of the lows.
The only reason I didn't give this 5 stars is the center channel. The center channel itself delivers great quality sound but the volume isn't quite there. I had to turn up the dB's on the center channel via my receiver to balance it out so it worked out in the end. Othewise I would find myself reaching for the remote during dialogue rich scenes to turn it up.
I have seen a few reviews with people who aren't happy with the subwoofer but my experience has been pleasant. The lows come through clean and have a great tone. It sounds great during action movies with lots of explosions as well as listening to your favorite cd or radio station. The sub itself has its own on/off switch that I just leave on as well as its own power adjustment. I keep mine set at about 45% because anything higher and everything in the house starts shaking.
The bottom line here: For the price this just can't be beat. Yes there are other setups that will deliver a better experience for some but will cost you much more money. At this price point you will not find a better setup for your home theater and unless you are a complete audiophile you will be completely satisfied.'
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