I've got a set of 5-1/4" Polk EX components in the front (~ $150), and 6-1/2" Pioneer (~ $100) 3-way speakers in the back. I thought that the Pioneers would sound decent, but compared to the Polk's, they are surprisingly horrible. I suspect that the difference in sound quality is related more to components vs. 3-way rather than because of the brands. (these prices are from several years ago) matt ma . 92 SE-R