What do you think about this potential HT set up....

[CharlestonLion]

Yamaha Receiver - RXV661 $439.00
Polk Subwoofer - PSW111B $299.99
Polk Speakers - RM20 $368.00

I have a 50" Samsung Plasma 1080p and a PS3 for gaming and blue ray. Do you think this would make a nice set up? I do not have room for large, floor standing speakers. The two front speakers and center speaker will be on shelves. The two rear speakers will be hung on the wall. I am on a budget and can't spend thousands on a system.....

[gearyt]

may want to look at the Onkyo SR-605 ~ $400

[CharlestonLion]

For those of you that know, what are the big differences between the Onkyo 605 and the Yamaha that I mentioned?

[moviefan]

Originally Posted by CharlestonLion

Yamaha Receiver - RXV661 $439.00
Polk Subwoofer - PSW111B $299.99
Polk Speakers - RM20 $368.00

I have a 50" Samsung Plasma 1080p and a PS3 for gaming and blue ray. Do you think this would make a nice set up? I do not have room for large, floor standing speakers. The two front speakers and center speaker will be on shelves. The two rear speakers will be hung on the wall. I am on a budget and can't spend thousands on a system.....

Since you already have a Polk subwoofer the R20s would be a great choice.
Another to consider would be the Klipsch Quintet III. they list for $499, but I have seen them on sale at Best Buy for $299.
The III is a big improvement over the II, which can be bought anywhere online for $299.
Either way, you will enjoy many years of fine sound!

[moviefan]

Originally Posted by CharlestonLion

For those of you that know, what are the big differences between the Onkyo 605 and the Yamaha that I mentioned?

I would say you should buy speakers from a speaker manufacturer. Onkyo makes some great receivers, but most of their HTIB stuffis junk.
Just try to get any info on the 605s online!

[LUkassZ]

Originally Posted by CharlestonLion

For those of you that know, what are the big differences between the Onkyo 605 and the Yamaha that I mentioned?

onkyo=version 1.3
yamaha=version 1.2

[musicman1999]

The Polk are not known as great speakers but nothing will be very good for that price.Is that price for 2,4, or 5 speakers?If for 5, what i would suggest is to take your speaker budget and buy as good a left and right main speakers as you can, then when more money is available you can add more speakers.It will take longer but you will end up with a better system when you are done.

bill

[Godsize]

Everything depends on your application. If you have a medium-sized room (say, 12'x12') and are looking to get decent sound that will fill that space, then Polk Audio speakers will work fine. Your satisfaction level will be balanced by the cost versus sound quality you get. I currently use the following set up and am very happy with it, although a 'true audiophile' would most likely cringe...

Onkyo TX-DS777 (THX Select; 105w x 5)
Front and Surround L/R: Polk R150 (5.25 Woofer; 0.75 Tweeter)
Center: Polk CSR (2 5.25 Woofers; 0.75 Tweeter)
Sub: Polk PSW 404 (10 Subwoofer; 200w)

First off, the Onkyo is pumping 105 watts to the fronts, center and surrounds, which are all rated at 100 watts max handling capability. Using optical digital audio, I can go up to approximately 60% volume before the 5.25 woofers in the satellites start to flinch at peak effects, for example in The Transformers movie scene where Barricade is yelling at Sam Witwicky on the hood of the car. There is some very slight distortion that literally only lasts a millisecond at a couple of points. Keep in mind that it is only at very loud peaks, and that is most likely a result of me overdriving the speakers via the wattage I am pumping to them and the volume level.

The subwoofer is a much higher grade Polk than the other speakers, and honestly blows me away... period. I have read less than glowing reviews of this sub, but let me assure you, for a mid grade powered sub, I challenge anyone to get cleaner sound at comparable SPL for $200.00 USD.

The bottom line is that FOR THE COST, I am extremely happy with my setup. There are definitely better sounding ones out there, but not one of them will cost you only $1150.00 USD total to purchase (that includes receiver, all speakers, all cables BTW) and sound as good.

Now, keep in mind that my room size (12' x 12') is not large at all, and if I were to move it to a more open, vaulted-ceiling environment (20' x 20' or so), I would have to upgrade the satellites and add another sub to get nice sound. Also, if I didn't have to make a car payment, and a mortgage payment, and utility payments, or feed myself, I might opt for a higher-end system.

You don't have to drop $10,000.00 USD on a home theater to have something nice. Don't believe the hype. A $10,000.00 USD system would be a 10/10, whereas I would rate mine a 8/10. You have to ask yourself are those extra two points worth $8,800.00? For me the low cost + decent enjoyment = worth every penny.

[crackinhedz]

Originally Posted by LUkassZ

onkyo=version 1.3
yamaha=version 1.2

Onkyo: 192kHz/24-bit DAC
Yamaha 661: 192kHz/24-bit Burr-Brown DAC (can also post process 5.1 PCM into 7.1 PCM surround )

No Lossless bitstreaming from the PS3 anyway, so I give the slight advantage to the Yamaha (hdmi v1.2) for having the better DAC.


But either receiver is a good pick.

[Slicker1]

Matt Polk sold out long time ago........don't get me started
I agree your better off with the Onkyo/Klipsch too, if you HAVE to stick to that price range.

[CharlestonLion]

Originally Posted by CharlestonLion

Yamaha Receiver - RXV661 $439.00
Polk Subwoofer - PSW111B $299.99
Polk Speakers - RM20 $368.00

I have a 50" Samsung Plasma 1080p and a PS3 for gaming and blue ray. Do you think this would make a nice set up? I do not have room for large, floor standing speakers. The two front speakers and center speaker will be on shelves. The two rear speakers will be hung on the wall. I am on a budget and can't spend thousands on a system.....

Well, I got the speakers and subwoofer listed above for Christmas!! Very excited! Now the only thing I need to take care of is the receiver. I have read so many glowing reports about the Onkyo 605, that I think I may have to go for it. Does this system do well in a 5.1 set up like I have? My room is only going to be about 12' x 14', so not too big.

[mystiksuicide]

Originally Posted by CharlestonLion

Yamaha Receiver - RXV661 $439.00
Polk Subwoofer - PSW111B $299.99
Polk Speakers - RM20 $368.00

I have a 50" Samsung Plasma 1080p and a PS3 for gaming and blue ray. Do you think this would make a nice set up? I do not have room for large, floor standing speakers. The two front speakers and center speaker will be on shelves. The two rear speakers will be hung on the wall. I am on a budget and can't spend thousands on a system.....

Id skip the Onkyo and go for the Denon or Pioneer Elite if you decide to pass on the Yamaha.

[CharlestonLion]

I think the Pioneers will be well out of my price range. Looking to keep the receiver cost in the $350-$500 range.

[Petra_Kalbrain]

Originally Posted by CharlestonLion

I think the Pioneers will be well out of my price range. Looking to keep the receiver cost in the $350-$500 range.

Then the 605 might be the way to go. I was going to suggest futureproofing your purchase a bit more by getting the 805. 3 HDMI inputs will come in VERY handy within the next couple of years as EVERYTHING makes it the standard connection type.