Price Paid:  $170.00 from Factory Clearance Ce

Summary:
I bought a refurbished set and can't be more pleased. They sound as good as my Infinity RS4000's, but have more bass definition. They have a clean sound. Their imaging isn't as good as the HC6's but it is good. The low midrange seems slightly weak, but can be compensated. It is highly unfortunate AR went out of business. It certainly wasn't due to a poor product, as much as poor management by Recoton. I understand Audiovox 'bought' them, but I haven't heard much since. This could be their high end product that could improve their brand equity, if they play their cards right.

Strengths:
Clarity, no matter the volume.

Weaknesses:
Slight low mid range weakness.

Similar Products Used:
HK, Infinity, Polk, Atlantic Research, Paradigm

Price Paid:  $170.00 from Factory Clearance Ce

Summary:
I bought these ones because of the reviews and to be honest I wasn't sure about it...however for $170 it was worth the try...YOU CAN'T IMAGINE HOW THIS SYSTEM ROCKS UNLESS YOU HAVE ONE!!! This is amazing the sub just pounds as a 20 lb. hammer, it comes with the floor spikes and all the circuitry to connect the front speakers throught it. Now the satellites, oh my friend the satellites ... these are so clear and accurate that you would not believe it!! And Small...you won't notice'em...and they come with the mounting brackets for the wall (kind of annoying to install but once done, they look very nice). And as if that is not enough, quality speaker wire is included in your kit...and is enough to wire a 144 sqft room. I bought the speaker stands from AR that match my system (ARStands HC5S) and again, they are annoying to install but once done...you'll be a happy man. They look sleek and modern with a nice AR logo on top of them. The center channel reproduces vivid and clear sounds and dialogues and comes with double driver instead of just one....I got them hooked up to my Onkyo TX-SR600 and I couldn't be happier!!!. With the same amount of money, I would buy this combination again...(Better than Yamaha's HT Boxes, Bose's 901-II and Acoustimass...)

Strengths:
Amazing Sound Double Driver Center Channel POWERfull subwoofer 5.1 speakers, wires and brackets in the same box!! Small and Sleek Look!!!

Weaknesses:
NOT exactly a weakness but I have to say it: Annoying bracket and stand installation (BUT SO WORTHY!!!) and not too many information in the box (like instructions and specs)

Similar Products Used:
Yamaha's HT in a Box Bose's Acoustimass, Lifetyle 35 JBL speakers

Price Paid:  $194.00 from overstock.com

Summary:
Pretty simple, for the price, these are damn good. I knew I wasn't getting the best speakers, nor was I getting the worst. They sound good, but they sound great when you crank the volume. The mids and mid-range bass are a little weak, but it can be helped with a little EQ tweaking. The sub is a little too thumpy sometimes, but that just means adjusting it too.

Strengths:
Price. Size (Barely noticeable) Quality wire included in package. Looks. Good sound

Weaknesses:
Sometimes weak low end, even at volume. Bass a little too strong and perhaps too quick to turn off.

Similar Products Used:
I tested a whole pile of systems.

Price Paid:  $140.00 from factoryclearancecent

Summary:
I highly recommend these speakers and challenge anyone to find a better deal than 139.99! Great sound, excellent bass and exceptional styling. I must admit that I was hesitant to order factory refurbished merchandise, but they arrived in perfect condition without even a small blemish!

Strengths:
Includes high quality speaker cable and mounting brackets.

Weaknesses:
None worth mentioning. (P.S.- A previous review mentioned that the blue indicator stays on continuously. This is not a problem if the power switch is set to "AUTO".

Similar Products Used:
Jamo Concert VII's Definitive Technology 1800 Subwoofer

Price Paid:  $269.00 from etronics

Summary:
The AR HC5 speaker system blew me away! I heard them at CES in Las Vegas and ordered a set for my daughter. But first I set them up at home so I could compare them to my very expensive ($2000+)speaker system. In surround mode I couldn't tell the difference! (actually the sub-woofer outperformed my M&K).

Strengths:
Absolutely clear, crisp and clean over the whole spectrum (I'm particularly sensitive to the high end). Satelites are amazingly small and light. Best sub-woofer I've ever heard.

Weaknesses:
Sub-woofer is fairly large

Similar Products Used:
JBL, Paradigm, Infinity, M&K, Klipsch, Polk