Advice on Upgrading

[binarycool]

This is my current setup:
Pioneer VSX-D509S Receiver
Polk RM2600 center / RM2300 satellite (aka RM6600)
Polk PSW350 sub

The first thing I want to upgrade is my front speakers to floorstanding ones. Considering Monitor 70's or Tsi500's (refurbished - ebay). Thoughts?

Would I need to upgrade my center if I did that or could I keep my current center and move the satellites to rear and side surround?

I also need to upgrade my receiver. Would the Pioneer VSX-1019AH-K be sufficient to run the new setup? And until i can afford the new receiver would it be OK to run this new setup off of my old receiver in the time being.

Thanks!

[callas01]

welcome to the site.

I would check your owners manual on your receiver, but I would think that it should push just about any 8 ohm speakers with no problem until you can upgrade the receiver.

The Polks are nice speakers. I think you would be happy with them. I would suggest that you upgrade the center also, the towers may drown out your current center because they will be more powerful with larger drivers. I would suggest the CS2 for the 70s and the CS20 for the 500s.

You could also look into other speaker MFGs like Energy, KEF iQs, Monitor Audio Bronze. I would keep your options open and listen to as many speakers as possible.

I wouldn't get the Pioneer 1019, they are not bench testing well, I would try the Onkyo, Marantz or Denon.

[quest88]

You could jump into the elite receivers. Even the base elites put out some power and if you look around you can usually get a good deal on them. Check out Polk direct on eBay they have some great deals. I pieced together my system for a decent price with refurbs.

[binarycool]

Thanks for the advice. I ended up getting the tsi500s for 380 shipped.

Now does it matter if I get the CS2 or CS20? I know the 20 "matches" but I found the CS2 for half the price.

And finally can you reccomend some specific receiver models?
Thanks again.

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by binarycool

Thanks for the advice. I ended up getting the tsi500s for 380 shipped.

Now does it matter if I get the CS2 or CS20? I know the 20 "matches" but I found the CS2 for half the price.

And finally can you reccomend some specific receiver models?
Thanks again.

Congrats binary and welcome to the site! Congrats on the TSi500's!

The CS20 just has the nice piano black finish on the sides. Performance is identical between the two and they will both timbre match the TSi500's, so if you found a CS2 for 1/2 price....jump on it!

As far as a receiver, I love Pioneer Elite's. What kind of budget do you have for a receiver anyway? This will help to determine a particular model. The better manufacturer's out there are Pioneer, Denon, Marantz, Onkyo, Sony and Yamaha.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by binarycool

Thanks for the advice. I ended up getting the tsi500s for 380 shipped.

Now does it matter if I get the CS2 or CS20? I know the 20 "matches" but I found the CS2 for half the price.

And finally can you reccomend some specific receiver models?
Thanks again.

Pioneer Elite VSX-21 or VSX-01, Sony ES2400, Denon 1910, or 2310, Marantz 4003 or 5003/5004, Onkyo 607, or 707.

Congrats on the speakers too.

[binarycool]

I was planning on $500 for a receiver but I'm already spending more than planned. Just bought a PS 3 as well .. oops.

So 500 was the plan but I could wait til x-mas and drop a few hundred more if necessary.

Also, I'm reading reviews now and getting scared. People are saying the Tsi500s are not for small spaces. I live in NYC so my room is definitely average at best. I am also hearing about an external amp which I definitely wouldn't be able to afford for a while.

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by binarycool

I was planning on $500 for a receiver but I'm already spending more than planned. Just bought a PS 3 as well .. oops.

So 500 was the plan but I could wait til x-mas and drop a few hundred more if necessary.

Also, I'm reading reviews now and getting scared. People are saying the Tsi500s are not for small spaces. I live in NYC so my room is definitely average at best. I am also hearing about an external amp which I definitely wouldn't be able to afford for a while.

You'll be fine if you get one of the receivers callas suggested. They should fall right into the $500 range too. They also have enough power to push the TSi500's, as the speakers are only 8 ohms, thus no external amp would be needed.

As far as small spaces, you can always calibrate your speakers to play well within a small room, so don't be scared off because you have a smaller space for them.

[binarycool]

CNet gave the Pioneer VSX-1019AH-K such a glowing review - what is the difference between that and an Elite?

[binarycool]

@forsberg nice setup! just saw your pics. i have to look into some of those lights you have.

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by binarycool

CNet gave the Pioneer VSX-1019AH-K such a glowing review - what is the difference between that and an Elite?

Besides, power, the # of inputs/outputs and other small bells and whistles, it is that the Elite's use the ICE amps and they use Burr-Brown processors that the 1019 does not have.....this equates to better clarity and sound, especially as you get to higher volumes.

[binarycool]

Awesome, def Elites then. Thanks.

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by binarycool

Awesome, def Elites then. Thanks.

I love my SC-05....I came from an Onkyo 605. It is not far to compare them, but I can say my SC-05 seemed to really open up my front soundstage like I had never heard before. I am a big fan of them now....especially because their power ratings are quite accurate when using all 7 channels per specs and with all of the little tweaks you can do too.