Fluance AV-HTB 5

Pros: Superb tonal matching, crisp, clear highs, precise mids; incredible price for what you get

Cons: Needs a sub to deliver an ideal home theater experience.

Summary: I very rarely write reviews, but after 6 years with these speakers (perhaps there have been minor updates to them) I can say they are an extraordinary value. Like a fine wine, they have only improved over time. We use them primarily in a front projection dedicated home theater setup. Had I not built that 6 years ago with budget as a primary factor, I would not likely have bought these speakers and that would have been a shame. I have compared them to systems with speakers costing many multiples of what these cost and have found those systems, at best, equal in terms of clarity and tonal matching. Surround sound effects should be undetectable to truly immerse you in the environment and these accomplish that with aplomb. As one reviewer noted here, he recommends using them with a sub and I agree. I would recommend that for any 5.1 setup, however. I'm using these with a Yamaha receiver which favor the brighter side and using them in a comparatively small space (20' by 12'). Factor that into your decision - a bigger space may require more punch. I truly believe, unless you are an audiophile with a musician's ear, you will not be able to distinguish these speakers from anything in the next three tiers of pricing. Finally, I can attest that over 6 yearsin my home including countless injury from my dog who insists on knocking the door of the room into the right-side speaker, that these units have held up remarkably well both in sound and in construction. Superb job, Fluance.