I have $XXX.XX to spend, what should I buy? BOOKSHELF SPEAKERS

Explanation of Specs

For an example, we'll use the tech specs for one of the Sound Appeal speakers.

Keep in mind that every manufacturer has their own method of measuring these specs, and naturally specs are often inflated. Use these numbers as a rough guide only.

If resistance and efficiency specs are missing, it's a self-powered speaker set that includes it's own amp.

Front: Port location. The port is the hole in the speaker.

Practical upshot: If the port is in the back, the speaker needs some space behind it in order to put out decent bass - so don't cram it against a wall. May not be a problem for you if you're using a separate subwoofer for bass.

80W: Power handling. The max amount of power the speakers can handle on a sustained basis.

Practical upshot: Not much, actually! Even a "120 watts per channel" amplifier will rarely if ever put out 120w or even 80w of power per channel on a sustained basis - and only during loud parts of the music with the volume cranked near max. You can safely use these 80w speakers with a more powerful amplifier, as long as you're not cranking the volume all the way up.

8ohm: Resistance. Most speakers are 8ohm.

Practical upshot: Compared to 8ohm speakers, 6ohm speakers will pull a bit more electrical current through your amp and the amp will run warmer. Not a big consideration unless you're using a low-powered (under 50 total watts or so?) amp.

90db: Efficiency. How loud the speaker gets with a given amount of power from a given distance. Given the same amount of power, a speaker rated at 95db will sound roughly twice as loud as a speaker rated at 85db.

Practical upshot: If you have a low-powered amp, a big room, or just want some face-melting volumes you may favor more efficient speakers. Keep in mind: 10db = "roughly twice the loudness"

If u/AverageJoeAudiophile or anybody else has suggestions or corrections please let me know. I tried to keep things brief and practical. I realize these summaries are very simplified and skip a lot.

The pricing of the sub $100 speakers here in Canada are way out of line compared with US. Any suggestions for Canadians?

I just want to add that semi-often now the KEF Q100Bs go for $300 on Amazon lately.

I have to say man, I have tried both the Micca MB42X and the Insignia NS-SP213 and I like the Insignias better. At least in my setup, they even have more bass - even though on paper they shouldn't. They just sound clearer and more room-filling than the Miccas.

ELAC B6s? Thoughts?

I picked up a pair of NS-SP213s from BB via eBay for 35.oo shipped. They are remarkably clean sounding matched with my modest 8" sub. They stay clear and composed even at high volumes. Thanks for recommending them.

These are all passive, correct?

Energy CB-10 are currently selling for $99.00 for a pair.

u/AverageJoeAudiophile im slightly confused....ive been reading your subreddit and your site, but as a home theatre noob i feel like its alot to take in lol. its extremely helpful but i need to ask questions before i pull triggers.

i want to build a proper 5.1 for a small home theater room without a huge budget, im thinking 500. i was looking at your receiver page and saw some nice looking units, but speakers are much more confusing. one of the commenters said you do not want 2 pairs of the same speaker, which makes sense. im assuming a nice set of bookshelf speakers for the front two, some center channel speaker, but i dont really see anything listed for a satellite. honestly a great future quarterly or bi-annual piece could be doing these build suggestions per price point i think :)

NS-SP213 are 30 rn on bb

Thanks! This is exactly what I was looking for!