My parents have a very old home stereo that is finally falling apart. They want to get a new one, and I offered to help. At this point everything is decided, except for the speakers. They are insisting on Bose. Now, I am mainly a headphone guy, so I know that the headphones Bose makes are grossly overpriced and they really suck. I don't know much about their speakers, but I am assuming the same thing goes for them as well. My question is, do you guys know what are some good brands to look for when selecting new speakers for a home stereo? It won't be surround sound or anything, just a standard 2.0 stereo. You can even post some suggestions for good speakers as well.

My suggestion would be Infinity...

I have never known a serious audiophile to own Bose in 50+ years. You can get better quality for the same price from other folks. What you buy is a matter of personal preference. Bose works best for not too critical listeners who want to just buy a package and plug it in. YMMV

This is my opinion, and not a humble one, either.

have a look at Axiom, seem to be a good value bang for the buck.

Bose isn't so good. But recommending good speakers is tricky. There are so many factors to consider that it's best if you can lend out speakers and test them yourself. I know it's hard, but if you find a good, smaller store nearby that will lend you a few pairs of speakers over the weekend that they would recommend (might need to deposit a security), it can be more valuable than weeks of research on the internet. But don't try this at big stores, they will only look at you funny.

Er, what type of music, what sort of sound, what budget?

http://stereophile.com/standloudspeakers/404infinity

Infinity Primus 150, Stereophile 2004 Joint Budget Products of the Year runnersup winner. A good choice for under $200 a pair, if you can find them for $100 a pair or so it's a steal.

If you can spend around $400, the Ascend Acoustics CBM-170SE seems to be another good buy.

http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/produ...170/cbm170.html

Review of the previous model, the CBM-170. CBM-170SE is the newer model that replaces the older non SE CBM-170.

http://www.goodsound.com/equipment/ascend_cbm170.htm

On the highend line:

stereolith

Thanks guys, I'll take a look at these. What kind of sound, it's pretty much used for classical, the beatles, etc...

i can recommend Nubert für low/mid price

Bose speakers are really expensive and not worth the money, IMO.
I'd suggest Klipsch RB-15

Please also take a look at this helpful guide: http://stereos.about.com/cs/toppicks/tp/bestspsub400.htm

If they like bose there is probably A reason.

I would, in this case, reccomend the Klipsch RSX-5's with an RCX-4 center.

They are beautiful sounding mid-sized bookshelf speakers that I can only say compare to some full range speakers if you couple them with a decent klipsch subwoofer (RW-12?)

Please check into these products on klipsch.com they are small, BEAUTIFUL and not too expensive.

(Can be found for $270 a pair on ebay, the center channel going for $170.)

So if you were buying 4 sattalites you'd be spending $540 (270x2)
and a center, $170
as well as a subwoofer $320


$1030 in total.

Sheesh, we should all look in awe at the Bose marketing machine...His parents 'insist' on Bose??? Wow. I agree with many of the recommendations made so far. Presumably, the idea is not to break the bank with regards to speakers, so some solutions from Klipcsh, Infinity, or Polk might make some sense...

O, Canada, . . . Paradigm is a great line of speakers. Well researched, well made and some at reasonable prices. There are no good bargain speakers. There are good speakers; there are bargain speakers. If you can get a listen to these I would do it. I was very impressed, and I do not impress easily.

And, I am a Yank, too.