Question 1

What should I check when buying used home audio gear?

Accepted Answer

Confirm everything powers on and works, and ask whether the remote, cables, and any accessories are included, since these can be costly to replace. Photos and condition notes help you judge wear.

Question 2

What's the difference between a soundbar and a speaker setup?

Accepted Answer

A soundbar is a single unit that's simple to set up and improves on built-in TV sound, while a separate speaker setup with a receiver offers more flexibility and often better sound, at the cost of more space and setup. Which is right depends on your room and budget.

Question 3

Do I need a receiver for home theater speakers?

Accepted Answer

Usually, yes. Passive home theater speakers need an AV receiver or amplifier to power them and switch sources, whereas powered or active speakers and soundbars have amplification built in. Check whether a component is powered or passive before buying.

Question 4

Do soundbars need a subwoofer?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. Many soundbars produce decent bass on their own and are sold as a single unit, while others come with or support a separate subwoofer for deeper low end. If strong bass matters to you, look for a bar that includes a sub or supports adding one. Check exactly what a listing includes before buying.

TV, Video & Home Audio

Logitech 915-000238 Harmony Hub Smartphone Control - Black

Logitech 915-000259 Universal Remote Control

Logitech Harmony 665 Universal Remote Control - Black

MTX TP1200 Main / Stereo Speakers

Magnavox DV200MW8 DVD Player

Magnavox MWR10D6 DVD Recorder

Magnavox ZC320MW8 DVD Recorder

Magnavox ZV427MG9 DVD Recorder & VCR

Marantz CD 60 CD Player - Black

Marantz CD6007 CD Player - Black (CD6007/T1B)

Marantz CD6007 CD Player Silver

Marantz TT-15S1 Belt Drive Turntable with Cartridge - Transparent White

Monolith 28 Inch Speaker Stand (Each) - Black

Monoprice 250W Bridgeable Power Amplifier - 118514

Nyrius Aries Pro+ Wireless HD Video Transmitter and Receiver - Black (NPCS650)

Nyrius NAVS502 Bluetooth Transmitter and Receiver

Onkyo C-7030 Audio CD Player - Black

Onkyo DX-C390 CD Player - Black

Panasonic DMR-ES35VS DVD Recorder

Panasonic DMR-EZ47V DVD Recorder

Panasonic DMR-EZ485VK DVD Recorder

Panasonic DMR-EZ48V DVD Recorder

Peerless PT650 TV Mount

Polk 255c-LS Center Speaker

Polk 255c-RT Center Speaker

Polk 265-RT Vanishing 3 Way In Wall Speaker - White

Polk 70-RT In-Ceiling Speakers

Polk 80F/X-LS In-Wall / Ceiling speakers

Polk 80F/X-RT Surround Loudspeaker

Polk Audio (MC80) High Performance In-ceiling Speaker - White

Frequently asked questions