Alright, need speaker help

[skatalite]

I've got a HTIB right now that does the trick but I know I can do better. And I'm planning to moving to a larger area soon, so I wanna upgrade.

I'm looking at a Denon AVR-1910 receiver. It's a 7.1, 90 watts per channel. Here is a link: http://tinyurl.com/njkbyh

But what speakers and sub do I get?!

I was looking around on Crutchfield as a basis of searching. And I found these:

- Energy RC-Micro 5.1: $599. Link: http://tinyurl.com/nvn8dp

- Polk RM85 5.0: $399. Link: http://tinyurl.com/ksfhet
and if I get the Polks, I'm looking at either one of these subs:
- Polk PSW10: $149: Link:http://tinyurl.com/n6mrev
- Polk PSW111: $299. Link: http://tinyurl.com/ndqkkl

If I buy the Polk 5.0 and a Polk sub, I get $100 off the total.

So, what do you guys think? This is just a starting point. I don't envision myself to have a theater in my house, but something that is loud and clear enough to fill a modest-sized living area.

I know the receiver is 7.1, but I don't feel the room I'm currently in would need the extra 2 speakers.

Any opinions would be appreciated! Thanks!

[callas01]

great choice on the receiver.... RC-Micro will be a lot better then the polks.

If you want larger speakers the Polk Monitor 50s with a CS2 and a set of Monitor 30s would be where I would direct you. If Energy had the C-C50 or C-C100 center channel then I would say the Energy C-300s over the Polks given your budget, but the Energy center channels are about sold out. You can check Amazon or wwstereo.com or audioadvisor.com of vanns.com for really good Energy deals at the momment.

IF you want to stay with the smaller speaker setup, you can look here and off to the right there is a deal with 5 speakers and a sub for $699....

Otherwise audition speakers to see what you like.

[Hammie]

Originally Posted by skatalite

I've got a HTIB right now that does the trick but I know I can do better. And I'm planning to moving to a larger area soon, so I wanna upgrade.

I'm looking at a Denon AVR-1910 receiver. It's a 7.1, 90 watts per channel. Here is a link: http://tinyurl.com/njkbyh

But what speakers and sub do I get?!

I was looking around on Crutchfield as a basis of searching. And I found these:

- Energy RC-Micro 5.1: $599. Link: http://tinyurl.com/nvn8dp

- Polk RM85 5.0: $399. Link: http://tinyurl.com/ksfhet
and if I get the Polks, I'm looking at either one of these subs:
- Polk PSW10: $149: Link:http://tinyurl.com/n6mrev
- Polk PSW111: $299. Link: http://tinyurl.com/ndqkkl

If I buy the Polk 5.0 and a Polk sub, I get $100 off the total.

So, what do you guys think? This is just a starting point. I don't envision myself to have a theater in my house, but something that is loud and clear enough to fill a modest-sized living area.

I know the receiver is 7.1, but I don't feel the room I'm currently in would need the extra 2 speakers.

Any opinions would be appreciated! Thanks!

Personally, I'm not a big believer in 7.1 systems. Movie theaters don't use 7.1 tracks, why should we have them at home?

Anyway, have you listened to speakers? I am a strong believer that you should listen to the speakers before you buy, especially with the receiver you want to power them with. Different receiver/speaker combos can change the sound of whatever you are listening too. This is why you should test them using the format you will listen to most (Its also why many people have a dedicated two channel system separate from their HT setup).

I have not heard any Energy speakers, so I cannot really comment on those, but you may be better off getting a 2.0 or 2.1 system and growing it from there. This way, you can grow it into your new room as you move to a new place. For $399, you can get a nice pair or towers and still get a decent sub for $299. I thought I saw some sub$200 AA subs recently that would outperform the Polk subs you are looking at.

Anyway, you need to look at your current budget. What your ultimate final goal is. Set a time frame you want to be there. and then save to get those items. In the end, you will be much happier. Trust me. I've been in the situation where I rushed into a small satellite HT setup and was disappointed every day until I was able to afford to upgrade it.

There is nothing wrong with baby steps in this hobby.

[lojack1976]

I'm with Callas on this...Energy all the way. Its no secret that I'm not a Polk fan. They make good products, but they really aren't my cup of tea. I personally took a leap of faith and got an Energy package for my bedroom awhile back and I was totally impressed. The sound is unbelievable for the money, and they have exceptional build quality. Whether you want satellites or towers Energy is a very good choice.

What you may want to do is get the RC Micro package and then later on swap out the fronts for towers and a bigger center. Then move the satellite R and L fronts to the back for a 7.1 setup. I have a 7.1 setup and in my living room and I think its totally worth having. I have several movies that are 7.1 and there is very noticeable difference. My living room is not particularly large either.

[Irrob]

tower speakers>satellite speakers

[skatalite]

Thanks for all the input!

Anymore recommendations?

I'll look more into the Energy set.

[Beta Man]

Originally Posted by Irrob

tower speakers>satellite speakers

not always the case.


Also, I agree with Callas, but I opted for a 6.1, as my receiver mixes the two rear surrounds into one. I had 7.1 previously, then dropped to 5.1 due to constraints with the room when I moved. I was very happy with the 5.1 and although I find 5.1 plenty in terms of immersion..... The addition of the rear speaker doesn't go un-noticed, but I certainly don't think the 7.1 I had previously had any noticeable advantages to my current 6.1


AUDITION! That's the best way to make an informed decision.