One can go far on a small budget. But just stopping into a big box and picking up the cheapest thing won’t get you there. If you are on a budget but want good sound and don’t know where to start, here’s a guide. These components have many recommendations from a variety of places; user forums, electronic and audio magazines, and our own ears here at AudioReview.com.

Below is a list of budget components that has caught our attention over the year.

This is by no means a definitive list. Â If you have some of your own you’d like to suggest use the comment area below.

Klipsch RF-52 ~ $660 AVguide.com – Few affordable systems offer a more compelling blend of detail, finesse, and dynamic clout plus an almost magically vibrant quality that brings music and movies alive. Bravo, Klipsch. AudioReview - 1 Reviews 5.00 of 5 -Â boorat writes – Amazing, crisp sound! Will wake the neighbors with no distortion. Crystal clear highs and smooth, tight punchy bass. I can hear every instrument on it’s own. My sound dream come true! Highly recommend these!! Not too big, not too small. My receiver is the DENON AVR 5700 (140 watts per channel).

Axiom Audio M3v3 ~ $348 pcdistrict.com - The M3 is Axiom’s most versatile and compact stereo and home theater speaker. Winner of the SoundStage! Reviewer\’s Choice Award and GoodSound! Product of the Year, the M3 delivers powerful bass, outstanding treble, and award-winning musical sound for under $400… AudioReview’s – Adam LaBarge – When I checked the price again I was blown away to find out they were $348, especially when considering their performance. The M3v3 do most of what a great speaker should. They present a large and open image, linear reproduction of sound, offer a good amount of detail, and be as transparent as the speaker can be. Read Full Review

Onkyo M-282 ~ $200 Amplifier Onkyo is a big name in the audio industry. Â Having been around for ages and always making quality gear at an affordable price. Â The M-282 is no exception. Â A 100W solid state amplifier that does have a pre-amp (knob in back). This can easily drive your home stereo system and sound good. Other Recommend Amplifiers – Van Alstine Insight 240, Â NAD C275BEE, ROTEL RB-1562 Specifications Dynamic Headroom 1.7 dB

Frequency Response 20Hz-20KHz

Number of Channels 2

Signal to Noise Ratio >100 dB

THD 0.018% @ 8 Ohms and 0.02% @ 4 Ohms

Watts Per Channel 4ohms 200

Watts Per Channel 8ohms 125

Audioengine 2 – $199 Computer Speakers

Mid-range vocals and soft silky highs are what these are all about. I’ve just finished demo’ing them at the 2011 California Audio Show and I was blow away by the clarity and presents of the vocal mid-range. Â Pair with a sub for better bass performance. Vocal’s pop off these so they will surely make great speakers for movies. Plus they fit in a small bag and are easily portable. Take them with you on your next vacation or biz trip and actually get good sound in your hotel room. The long list of reviews from a variety of sources speaks for itself. Â These are great little desktop speakers. Other Recommended Computer Speaker Systems. Specifications Type:2.0 powered (active) multimedia desktop speaker system

Inputs:Dual 1/8″ stereo mini-jack and RCA jacks

Amplifier Type:Dual Class AB monolithic

Drivers:2.75″ Kevlar woofers, 20mm silk dome tweeters

Power Output:60W peak power total (15W RMS / 30W peak per channel), AES





Acoustic Research AW 845 ~ $450 Wireless Speakers Free your self of wires. Sounds like a dream. But with the 150ft range of the AW825 speakers, that work inside, outside, in the rain and wind, youâ€™ll be able to live that reality. The base unit does have to be plugged into a wall outlet and a source via the 1/8th adapter, so your MacBook, yourÂ iPod, iPad, iPhone, laptop, or stereo, but the actual speakers run on AA batteries and can be moved anywhere. Each speaker is sold separately, but you can add as many as you like. Users with 4 have experienced no issues. Each speaker can be set to mono, left channel, right channel. You can place them through out your home, garden, or pool area. The speakers themselves run at 5W and are a two wayÂ design. A 2-inch tweeter and 3-inch woofer. With a 40Hz-15kHz frequencies range Specifications: Innovative circuit design

Provide TWO sets of switchable audio inputs

Besides the normal audio output in the back panel

Compact design (mini-size & light weight)

All audiophile-graded parts and components