My (proposed) new system - Blu-ray Forum

toviro · 07-13-2009, 06:58 AM

After a lot of reading and some listening, I am about to decide on:
Towers: Polk M70
Center: Polk CS20
Rear Surrounds: Polk M30
Sub-woofer: ED A2-300

This fits right in with my $1000 budget.

I plan to run them through an Onkyo SR606 up to a new Samsung 52" B750 LCD in a 20' by 15' room.

I sure would appreciate any comments and a confirmation that I will not be disappointed in my choices.

Thanks so much to all for helping and informing me on my quest to set up a nice HT system.

lojack1976 · 07-13-2009, 07:36 AM

If you've listened to them and like them you shouldn't be disappointed. Before you pull the trigger I have to ask have you listened to any other speakers and compared? Polk makes some good speakers, but there are other speakers in the same price range you should consider. You can look at some Energy offerings which I think you will love if you can hear them. You can also look at some Klipsch offerings. www.vanns.com also has some excellent deals on some Mirage speakers.

For your budget I'm sure others can offer some more suggestions for your consideration. At the end of the day you need to find what you like the most, but comparing various speakers will definitely be beneficial to you. I would hate for you to buy those speakers and then hear some other speakers a month later that blow your mind and you regret your purchase.

tbizzle · 07-13-2009, 09:05 AM

I have almost the exact setup you're looking at, and let me say, it's pretty kickass. It sounds like you're making your first leap into home theater, which is what a lot of us on here did and ended up going with Polk. Like Lojack said, there may be other speakers out there that you might like better, but I can guarantee that you won't be disappointed with Polk for the price.

I'm very happy with my Polk speakers for both movies and music.

KB24SD · 07-13-2009, 10:32 PM

Yeah I'm in the same situation also, with setting up first home theater.

I got the same floor standing speakers in the M70 and just ordered the CS2. My AVR is the Denon 2809. I will eventualy complete my setup with rear surrounds and I'm looking at buying a Definitive Technology - Super Cube III .

Beta Man · 07-13-2009, 10:39 PM

Someone here is selling their 2 month old e.d. sub.... same model....

Might save you some cash

I'd personally spend the extra $50 for this one though....

http://www.edesignaudio.com/product_...roducts_id=309

tbizzle · 07-15-2009, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beta Man

Someone here is selling their 2 month old e.d. sub.... same model....

Might save you some cash

I'd personally spend the extra $50 for this one though....

http://www.edesignaudio.com/product_...roducts_id=309

Why? The A2-300 is the better sub, that's what Brett from ED said. That's why the A2-300 is so popular, it kicks ass for it's price range

DonRSD · 07-15-2009, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toviro

After a lot of reading and some listening, I am about to decide on:
Towers: Polk M70
Center: Polk CS20
Rear Surrounds: Polk M30
Sub-woofer: ED A2-300

This fits right in with my $1000 budget.

I plan to run them through an Onkyo SR606 up to a new Samsung 52" B750 LCD in a 20' by 15' room.

I sure would appreciate any comments and a confirmation that I will not be disappointed in my choices.

Thanks so much to all for helping and informing me on my quest to set up a nice HT system.

screw the M30s for surround sound
get a pair of dipole/bipole speakers

Polk FXI3's (pair) ran me $175 from polk
i provided the contact name @ polk in the polk speakers thread.

toviro · 07-17-2009, 06:37 AM

Thanks everybody for your valued input.

I totally agree that the best method to select a speaker system is by ones own ears.

But let me share my frustration (even though I live in Los Angeles) that there is no place to lend an ear...

Fry's is like a junk house...product thrown everywhere..the "listening room" has become a store room for big screen TV's.

Best Buy will push you into buying a home theater ..and, if you're lucky they will plug it in for you..amid the boom boxes on the next aisle.

Howard's, Paul's Big Screen, Video & Audio will show you something attached to a big screen and tell you that you really need a new TV or a sound bar.

I even searched out and drove to duplicate big box stores and found the same. Sorry to say but it looks like the "Mom and Pops" have been pushed out of business. They just ain't there.

Maybe I can't blame the Big Boxes. They probably know I am in their store to make a selection that I will buy on the internet (and save 10% tax).

So, the bottom line:
Gawd, I'd love to hear Polks, Infinity, Harmon Kardon, Energy, Elite, and all the others to compare. But there aint no way. It seems that the market is now for $300 home theater and sound bars. Or, go into Magnolia and see an $8000 system. Anyone wanting a $1000 system seems to have been marginalized.

Sorry to rant, but I think this is the reality.

So, I must rely on you guys.

Which I very much appreciate...even though I understand your best recommendation is to use my own ears.

TonyR

lojack1976 · 07-18-2009, 03:52 AM

Well, if you are going to have a hard time auditioning speakers then I'm going to go out on a limb and suggest Energy. I've not once heard anyone say that they didn't like the sound, and on a blind buy out of the various brands mentioned I think Energy is the safest choice. They are just an excellent sounding speaker. They are the only ones I would comfortably recommend buying blindly.

I know Best Buy reps can be pushy but I just brush them off very quickly. They quickly realize I'm not buying anything or they at least think I'm not. You can probably listen to Polk, Klipsch, Mirage, and Definitive Technology speakers at a Best Buy Magnolia and determine which you like best of those brands. While you are there completely ignore the Martin Logan speakers. They may make you hate everything else in there if you give them a listen, and they are totally out of your price range, so just don't do that to yourself.

ack_bak · 07-18-2009, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toviro

Thanks everybody for your valued input.

I totally agree that the best method to select a speaker system is by ones own ears.

But let me share my frustration (even though I live in Los Angeles) that there is no place to lend an ear...

Fry's is like a junk house...product thrown everywhere..the "listening room" has become a store room for big screen TV's.

Best Buy will push you into buying a home theater ..and, if you're lucky they will plug it in for you..amid the boom boxes on the next aisle.

Howard's, Paul's Big Screen, Video & Audio will show you something attached to a big screen and tell you that you really need a new TV or a sound bar.

I even searched out and drove to duplicate big box stores and found the same. Sorry to say but it looks like the "Mom and Pops" have been pushed out of business. They just ain't there.

Maybe I can't blame the Big Boxes. They probably know I am in their store to make a selection that I will buy on the internet (and save 10% tax).

So, the bottom line:
Gawd, I'd love to hear Polks, Infinity, Harmon Kardon, Energy, Elite, and all the others to compare. But there aint no way. It seems that the market is now for $300 home theater and sound bars. Or, go into Magnolia and see an $8000 system. Anyone wanting a $1000 system seems to have been marginalized.

Sorry to rant, but I think this is the reality.

So, I must rely on you guys.

Which I very much appreciate...even though I understand your best recommendation is to use my own ears.

TonyR

Honestly? I believe the Internet has alot to do with this. I have seen a number of speaker/ highend AV stores close around me due to the fact that people were demoing speakers at the store and then turning around and buying on the Internet for cheaper. It costs money to have a storefront, staff, listening rooms, etc.

That said, Polk speakers are a decent speaker. But there are lots of good speakers out there and the more you spend, the more options you have.

Internet direct companies such as SVS, Emotiva, Ascend, HSU, Elemental Designs, etc will offer you a better speaker than the Polk speakers you are looking at and are not that far out of your budget. The difference being that you will step into a bookshelf speaker vs a tower (the towers from SVS and Emotiva are out of your budget). But if the speakers are for home theater usage bookshelves often make a lot of sense when you have a good dedicated subwoofer.

I recently went from a more expensive Polk rti series tower to SVS SCS-01 bookshelf speakers and center and the SVS speakers are a noticeable step up. There is a lot to a speaker besides just specs. Tweeter design and crossover design are critical.

By no means am I telling you not to consider or even buy the Polk's. I am pretty sure that setup you have picked out will be a great first setup. But you may also want to do some reading at some other speaker forums such as AVS, and audioholics where some of the internet direct companies have gotten lots of user and pro reviews.

Irrob · 07-18-2009, 09:52 AM

Polks are a great balance between price and performance. Best choice for the budget conscious. Newegg's prices are awesome. And you'll end up having extra cash left over for Monoprice cables and banana plugs, cause you'll be well under budget

lojack1976 · 07-18-2009, 09:52 PM

I think you should take a look at THESE fantastic deals on Mirage packages on Vanns.com...60% off and free shipping! I don't think you'll find anything at those prices that will come close. You can spend twice that on Polk speakers and not get nearly as good of a sound that you will from those. You should seriously consider grabbing them while you can because they probably won't last long at those prices. I'd say go with the $500 package and then look at SVS, HSU, eD, or Epik for a sub.

SeanMF · 07-19-2009, 01:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lojack1976

I think you should take a look at THESE fantastic deals on Mirage packages on Vanns.com...60% off and free shipping! I don't think you'll find anything at those prices that will come close. You can spend twice that on Polk speakers and not get nearly as good of a sound that you will from those. You should seriously consider grabbing them while you can because they probably won't last long at those prices. I'd say go with the $500 package and then look at SVS, HSU, eD, or Epik for a sub.

Tempting....I was going to go with a polk living room setup and 720p projector just so I could have it soon and then progressively upgrade as it will keep me busy and give me something to do. I might get these towers now.

lojack1976 · 07-19-2009, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seanfarley2

Tempting....I was going to go with a polk living room setup and 720p projector just so I could have it soon and then progressively upgrade as it will keep me busy and give me something to do. I might get these towers now.

If I hadn't already upgraded my fronts a few months back I would be all over that deal myself. I paid $560 for my fronts which was a great deal since I still managed to get them for considerably less than they originally retailed for, but $500 for all five of those Mirage speakers is a crazy deal.

SeanMF · 07-19-2009, 07:11 PM

Yea....if I can pull the cash I'll buy the packaged 5.1 setup with velodyne sub for $649 and free shipping. I'll put the sub in my bedroom and possibly the surrounds and upgrade the rest in due time.

SeanMF · 07-25-2009, 01:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seanfarley2

Yea....if I can pull the cash I'll buy the packaged 5.1 setup with velodyne sub for $649 and free shipping. I'll put the sub in my bedroom and possibly the surrounds and upgrade the rest in due time.

So I pulled the plug on this Mirage 5.0 setup (didn't want that sub they offered so I went with the package without it) at Vann's. I also ordered a Mits HC1600 projector.

lojack1976 · 07-25-2009, 01:34 AM

Congrats! A friend of mine is getting the same package. I told him to skip the sub too and save up for a better one. Post some pics when you get it setup.

callas01 · 07-25-2009, 05:23 AM

OP,

Not sure exactly where you live in LA, but here are some places you can audition speakers at.

Energy I would call Ken Cranes, many don't have Energy speakers there. Audio Video Authority in Rancho has Monitor Audio and a few other brands on site.... its a place I really want to visit. Check here for Monitor Audio perhaps more local to you, just call them and they will guide you to the right spot.

PSB
KEF
The Home Theatre Doctor was listed on both PSB and KEFs website, so you could listen to 4 speakers choices in 2 locations so far.
Klipsch and B&W are in Ken Cranes and you shouldn't have trouble listening to them there. Mirage, Def Tech you can go to BB Magnolia center.

hope that can help you a little. The Mom and Pop AV stores haven't gone away, they just need to be found....

07-13-2009, 06:58 AM	#1
toviro New Member Member since:Jul 2009	My (proposed) new system After a lot of reading and some listening, I am about to decide on: Towers: Polk M70 Center: Polk CS20 Rear Surrounds: Polk M30 Sub-woofer: ED A2-300 This fits right in with my $1000 budget. I plan to run them through an Onkyo SR606 up to a new Samsung 52" B750 LCD in a 20' by 15' room. I sure would appreciate any comments and a confirmation that I will not be disappointed in my choices. Thanks so much to all for helping and informing me on my quest to set up a nice HT system.

07-13-2009, 10:39 PM	#5
Beta Man Moderator Top contributor Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Juuuuuuuust A Bit Outside.... Home Theater Gallery:4 Blu-ray collection:268 Blu-ray reviews: 18 Trading Score:25	Someone here is selling their 2 month old e.d. sub.... same model.... Might save you some cash I'd personally spend the extra $50 for this one though.... http://www.edesignaudio.com/product_...roducts_id=309 Last edited by Beta Man; 07-13-2009 at 10:43 PM.

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07-13-2009, 07:36 AM	#2
lojack1976 Blu-ray Guru Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Aug 2008 Location:7 Cities, VA Home Theater Gallery:62 Blu-ray collection:203	If you've listened to them and like them you shouldn't be disappointed. Before you pull the trigger I have to ask have you listened to any other speakers and compared? Polk makes some good speakers, but there are other speakers in the same price range you should consider. You can look at some Energy offerings which I think you will love if you can hear them. You can also look at some Klipsch offerings. www.vanns.com also has some excellent deals on some Mirage speakers. For your budget I'm sure others can offer some more suggestions for your consideration. At the end of the day you need to find what you like the most, but comparing various speakers will definitely be beneficial to you. I would hate for you to buy those speakers and then hear some other speakers a month later that blow your mind and you regret your purchase.

07-13-2009, 09:05 AM	#3
tbizzle Blu-ray Ninja Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Oct 2008 Location:Folsom, CA Home Theater Gallery:61 4K collection:47 Blu-ray collection:571 Trading Score:55	I have almost the exact setup you're looking at, and let me say, it's pretty kickass. It sounds like you're making your first leap into home theater, which is what a lot of us on here did and ended up going with Polk. Like Lojack said, there may be other speakers out there that you might like better, but I can guarantee that you won't be disappointed with Polk for the price. I'm very happy with my Polk speakers for both movies and music.

07-13-2009, 10:32 PM	#4
KB24SD Power Member Member since:May 2007 Location:San Diego Blu-ray collection:166 Blu-ray reviews: 3	Yeah I'm in the same situation also, with setting up first home theater. I got the same floor standing speakers in the M70 and just ordered the CS2. My AVR is the Denon 2809. I will eventualy complete my setup with rear surrounds and I'm looking at buying a Definitive Technology - Super Cube III .

07-17-2009, 06:37 AM	#8
toviro New Member Member since:Jul 2009	Thanks everybody for your valued input. I totally agree that the best method to select a speaker system is by ones own ears. But let me share my frustration (even though I live in Los Angeles) that there is no place to lend an ear... Fry's is like a junk house...product thrown everywhere..the "listening room" has become a store room for big screen TV's. Best Buy will push you into buying a home theater ..and, if you're lucky they will plug it in for you..amid the boom boxes on the next aisle. Howard's, Paul's Big Screen, Video & Audio will show you something attached to a big screen and tell you that you really need a new TV or a sound bar. I even searched out and drove to duplicate big box stores and found the same. Sorry to say but it looks like the "Mom and Pops" have been pushed out of business. They just ain't there. Maybe I can't blame the Big Boxes. They probably know I am in their store to make a selection that I will buy on the internet (and save 10% tax). So, the bottom line: Gawd, I'd love to hear Polks, Infinity, Harmon Kardon, Energy, Elite, and all the others to compare. But there aint no way. It seems that the market is now for $300 home theater and sound bars. Or, go into Magnolia and see an $8000 system. Anyone wanting a $1000 system seems to have been marginalized. Sorry to rant, but I think this is the reality. So, I must rely on you guys. Which I very much appreciate...even though I understand your best recommendation is to use my own ears. TonyR

07-18-2009, 03:52 AM	#9
lojack1976 Blu-ray Guru Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Aug 2008 Location:7 Cities, VA Home Theater Gallery:62 Blu-ray collection:203	Well, if you are going to have a hard time auditioning speakers then I'm going to go out on a limb and suggest Energy. I've not once heard anyone say that they didn't like the sound, and on a blind buy out of the various brands mentioned I think Energy is the safest choice. They are just an excellent sounding speaker. They are the only ones I would comfortably recommend buying blindly. I know Best Buy reps can be pushy but I just brush them off very quickly. They quickly realize I'm not buying anything or they at least think I'm not. You can probably listen to Polk, Klipsch, Mirage, and Definitive Technology speakers at a Best Buy Magnolia and determine which you like best of those brands. While you are there completely ignore the Martin Logan speakers. They may make you hate everything else in there if you give them a listen, and they are totally out of your price range, so just don't do that to yourself.

07-18-2009, 09:52 AM	#11
Irrob Blu-ray Guru Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:Aug 2007 Location:USA Home Theater Gallery:49 4K collection:61 Blu-ray collection:880 DVD collection:16 Blu-ray reviews: 4 Trading Score:91	Polks are a great balance between price and performance. Best choice for the budget conscious. Newegg's prices are awesome. And you'll end up having extra cash left over for Monoprice cables and banana plugs, cause you'll be well under budget

07-18-2009, 09:52 PM	#12
lojack1976 Blu-ray Guru Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Aug 2008 Location:7 Cities, VA Home Theater Gallery:62 Blu-ray collection:203	I think you should take a look at THESE fantastic deals on Mirage packages on Vanns.com...60% off and free shipping! I don't think you'll find anything at those prices that will come close. You can spend twice that on Polk speakers and not get nearly as good of a sound that you will from those. You should seriously consider grabbing them while you can because they probably won't last long at those prices. I'd say go with the $500 package and then look at SVS, HSU, eD, or Epik for a sub.

07-19-2009, 07:11 PM	#15
SeanMF Blu-ray Baron Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:Apr 2007 Location:Iowa Home Theater Gallery:70 Blu-ray collection:1428 Blu-ray reviews: 2 Trading Score:83	Yea....if I can pull the cash I'll buy the packaged 5.1 setup with velodyne sub for $649 and free shipping. I'll put the sub in my bedroom and possibly the surrounds and upgrade the rest in due time.

07-25-2009, 01:34 AM	#17
lojack1976 Blu-ray Guru Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Aug 2008 Location:7 Cities, VA Home Theater Gallery:62 Blu-ray collection:203	Congrats! A friend of mine is getting the same package. I told him to skip the sub too and save up for a better one. Post some pics when you get it setup.

07-25-2009, 05:23 AM	#18
callas01 Blu-ray Prince Top contributor Member since:Jun 2008 Location:Riverside, CA Home Theater Gallery:42 Blu-ray collection:230 DVD collection:47	OP, Not sure exactly where you live in LA, but here are some places you can audition speakers at. Energy I would call Ken Cranes, many don't have Energy speakers there. Audio Video Authority in Rancho has Monitor Audio and a few other brands on site.... its a place I really want to visit. Check here for Monitor Audio perhaps more local to you, just call them and they will guide you to the right spot. PSB KEF The Home Theatre Doctor was listed on both PSB and KEFs website, so you could listen to 4 speakers choices in 2 locations so far. Klipsch and B&W are in Ken Cranes and you shouldn't have trouble listening to them there. Mirage, Def Tech you can go to BB Magnolia center. hope that can help you a little. The Mom and Pop AV stores haven't gone away, they just need to be found....

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