Would This Be A Worthy Upgrade?

[Scott_Summers]

I don't know much about speakers and so I wanna get some of you guy's opinions whether this be considered as an upgrade or not. I've been thinking about getting rid of the Polk T90e's that I have since they don't really sound as good as I thought. I'm thinking about changing to the Klipsch Synergy F-2. Would I hear a significant sound improvement? I have the Harman Kardon AVR254 receiver so maybe it's not providing enough power to the Polks that I have? What are your thought? Thanks!

[langn08]

Originally Posted by Scott_Summers

I don't know much about speakers and so I wanna get some of you guy's opinions whether this be considered as an upgrade or not. I've been thinking about getting rid of the Polk T90e's that I have since they don't really sound as good as I thought. I'm thinking about changing to the Klipsch Synergy F-2. Would I hear a significant sound improvement? I have the Harman Kardon AVR254 receiver so maybe it's not providing enough power to the Polks that I have? What are your thought? Thanks!

I don't think power is an issue with your current set-up. With that said I do not know if you would really hear a sound "improvement" because the Klipsch are a really different sounding speaker. Do you have a budget established?

[Scott_Summers]

Originally Posted by langn08

I don't think power is an issue with your current set-up. With that said I do not know if you would really hear a sound "improvement" because the Klipsch are a really different sounding speaker. Do you have a budget established?

I would like to keep it under $400 for the pair. I have problems with hearing the dialogue while watching blus and constantly had to make adjustments with the volume throughout the movies. When there are explosions and etc, I had to turn it down cuz it's too loud. The sound just doesn't seem to be equal between dialogues and other sound effects so I though if I change the speakers I might get better sound?

[langn08]

Originally Posted by Scott_Summers

I would like to keep it under $400 for the pair. I have problems with hearing the dialogue while watching blus and constantly had to make adjustments with the volume throughout the movies. When there are explosions and etc, I had to turn it down cuz it's too loud. The sound just doesn't seem to be equal between dialogues and other sound effects so I though if I change the speakers I might get better sound?

hmmmmm

I assume you have adjusted the receiver and make sure the center was getting enogh juice? most dialogue should be comming from your center and I have not heard anyone having problems with your center (many members own it). I am thinking it could be a setting in the receiver.

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by Scott_Summers

I don't know much about speakers and so I wanna get some of you guy's opinions whether this be considered as an upgrade or not. I've been thinking about getting rid of the Polk T90e's that I have since they don't really sound as good as I thought. I'm thinking about changing to the Klipsch Synergy F-2. Would I hear a significant sound improvement? I have the Harman Kardon AVR254 receiver so maybe it's not providing enough power to the Polks that I have? What are your thought? Thanks!

Klipsch use horn tweeters, so they are considered "bright" and are some what of an acquired sound to get used to. I definitely recommend going out and testing the Klipsch and other speakers out. You could give Energy's a try, as they are considered "warmer" than what you have. There are many different brands out there, like Boston Acoustics, Def Techs or KEF's and others in this relative price range, but you need to go out and give them a listen. This way you will get what your ears like, not just your eyes.

By the way, if dialog is your issue, then I don't think your problem is your T90e's...but your center channel.......and the CS2 should easily keep up with the T90e's....perhaps your settings are off...what do you have the speaker's crossovers set to in your receiver (you do have the speakers set to "small", right?)

[Scott_Summers]

Originally Posted by forsberg21

Klipsch use horn tweeters, so they are considered "bright" and are some what of an acquired sound to get used to. I definitely recommend going out and testing the Klipsch and other speakers out. You could give Energy's a try, as they are considered "warmer" than what you have. There are many different brands out there, like Boston Acoustics, Def Techs or KEF's and others in this relative price range, but you need to go out and give them a listen. This way you will get what your ears like, not just your eyes.

By the way, if dialog is your issue, then I don't think your problem is your T90e's...but your center channel.......and the CS2 should easily keep up with the T90e's....perhaps your settings are off...what do you have the speaker's crossovers set to in your receiver (you do have the speakers set to "small", right?)

The center is set at 80Hz and the fronts are set at 60Hz. The receiver I have does not give me an option to set large or small

[Scott_Summers]

Originally Posted by langn08

hmmmmm

I assume you have adjusted the receiver and make sure the center was getting enogh juice? most dialogue should be comming from your center and I have not heard anyone having problems with your center (many members own it). I am thinking it could be a setting in the receiver.

Or maybe I'm just making excuses for my upgraditis

[Fors*]

Originally Posted by Scott_Summers

The center is set at 80Hz and the fronts are set at 60Hz. The receiver I have does not give me an option to set large or small

That to me is good to go. THow about widening your front soundstage a bit more and then possibly toe in your T90's. This may priovide better sound dispersement and better imaging across your front soundstage. I have the T90e's and I have them as wide as I can get them and toed in, and I feel the T90's are doing a good job. However, I have noted this of late, but I only have the CS10, and it is REALLY lacking in dialog IMO. I have played with the settings and even purchased some speaker dudes to help isolate it and it still is underperforming if you ask me. Even my wife asks why she can't hear heavy dialog scenes very well. I have it calibrated with an SPL meter also. I have come to the conlusion that it is my CS10 that is lacking, but the CS2 shouldn't. Have you thought of isolating your center channel from where it sits to see if it provides clearer dialog? Anotherat option is acoustic treatments. Of course, there is a WAF factor there to be considered there.

[langn08]

Originally Posted by Scott_Summers

Or maybe I'm just making excuses for my upgraditis

hahaha I see how it is...

I'd use that money and invest in a more powerful receiver (something that at least will put you around 100w per channel).

[callas01]

Originally Posted by Scott_Summers

The center is set at 80Hz and the fronts are set at 60Hz. The receiver I have does not give me an option to set large or small

once you set the crossover it automatically switches to small. Some receivers just do it that way.

Originally Posted by Scott_Summers

I don't know much about speakers and so I wanna get some of you guy's opinions whether this be considered as an upgrade or not. I've been thinking about getting rid of the Polk T90e's that I have since they don't really sound as good as I thought. I'm thinking about changing to the Klipsch Synergy F-2. Would I hear a significant sound improvement? I have the Harman Kardon AVR254 receiver so maybe it's not providing enough power to the Polks that I have? What are your thought? Thanks!

OK, If you do not like the sound of the Polks then I strongly suggest that you go listen to some speakers and not just buy Klipsch speakers. I would say that if you can look up different speaker mfg sites https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=100022 and then seek out some local shops that you can audition a variety of speakers at. Then come back and let us know what sound you do prefer. Klipsch are going to be in your face and bright, Energys will be warm and laid back, Polks will be somewhere in between them both. PSB Alpha's, Kef C5's, Monitor Audio BR5's, Jamo, they all make speakers in your price range that will have a different sound but you may find what you like in your price range.

Originally Posted by Scott_Summers

I would like to keep it under $400 for the pair. I have problems with hearing the dialogue while watching blus and constantly had to make adjustments with the volume throughout the movies. When there are explosions and etc, I had to turn it down cuz it's too loud. The sound just doesn't seem to be equal between dialogues and other sound effects so I though if I change the speakers I might get better sound?

Try going into your receiver and adjusting the gain on the center channel to about +2 db's and see if that helps the dialog issue.

Originally Posted by forsberg21

That to me is good to go. THow about widening your front soundstage a bit more and then possibly toe in your T90's. This may priovide better sound dispersement and better imaging across your front soundstage. I have the T90e's and I have them as wide as I can get them and toed in, and I feel the T90's are doing a good job. However, I have noted this of late, but I only have the CS10, and it is REALLY lacking in dialog IMO. I have played with the settings and even purchased some speaker dudes to help isolate it and it still is underperforming if you ask me. Even my wife asks why she can't hear heavy dialog scenes very well. I have it calibrated with an SPL meter also. I have come to the conlusion that it is my CS10 that is lacking, but the CS2 shouldn't. Have you thought of isolating your center channel from where it sits to see if it provides clearer dialog? Anotherat option is acoustic treatments. Of course, there is a WAF factor there to be considered there.

For the reason you described, I think people should always go with the biggest center channel in the speakers lineup. I feel that the smaller centers are meant to be used as more for bookshelf setups. However Jamo and Energy does a very good job with their smaller center matching up to the towers also, I know Jwilly center has 4" drivers and matches his 6.5" tower drivers, and there are a couple Energy owners that have the smaller C-C50 center channels paired with both the C-300s and C-500s and have no dialog issues, but that said, I would still always go for the biggest center you can. So much comes from it as you know.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by langn08

hahaha I see how it is...

I'd use that money and invest in a more powerful receiver (something that at least will put you around 100w per channel).

well when HK says its 50 wpc, it is actually that. Most of the mid-range receivers from Onkyo, Sony, Yamaha, Pioneer all will say 90-120 wpc, but with 5-7 channels it 29-60 wpc.

The only receiver that would be a WPC improvement would be like a Marantz used from accessories for less.

[HAMP]

I agree with everyone that has told you to go try out some speakers. Its just the funny part is everyone is saying how bright Klipsch speakers are, as if that is voodoo and a no no.... lol

You might like how Klipsch brightness sound, that is not a negative thing, I had the Klipsch F2's and loved them for movies.

I don't think it's a upgrade from the polks to the Klipsch you are asking about, unless you find out that you love the bright sound of Klipsch then Yes it's an upgrade.

Without a doubt you have some setting incorrect. I remember having that same issue. I would have to hold the remote in my hand and turn the volume up and down during a movie.

How I fixed my problem:

(1) I actually had two of my surround speakers connected wrong.
(a) This caused the Audyssey to mess up.

(2) For some reason I cannot recall the name of it, but do you have that 'Night' setting turned on/off or set at a medium?


Also sound like you have a little upgradities going on... If so, I would look into another sub woofer, your room looks a little large for that 6750 sub.

[Scott_Summers]

Originally Posted by HAMP

I agree with everyone that has told you to go try out some speakers. Its just the funny part is everyone is saying how bright Klipsch speakers are, as if that is voodoo and a no no.... lol

You might like how Klipsch brightness sound, that is not a negative thing, I had the Klipsch F2's and loved them for movies.

I don't think it's a upgrade from the polks to the Klipsch you are asking about, unless you find out that you love the bright sound of Klipsch then Yes it's an upgrade.

Without a doubt you have some setting incorrect. I remember having that same issue. I would have to hold the remote in my hand and turn the volume up and down during a movie.

How I fixed my problem:

(1) I actually had two of my surround speakers connected wrong.
(a) This caused the Audyssey to mess up.

(2) For some reason I cannot recall the name of it, but do you have that 'Night' setting turned on/off or set at a medium?


Also sound like you have a little upgradities going on... If so, I would look into another sub woofer, your room looks a little large for that 6750 sub.

You're probably right. I should upgrade my sub but the only reason I haven't done so is becasue I want to be able to hear the dialogues better without having to turn th volume up and down all the time. So I assumed a new/better sub would eventually cause me to mess with the volume even more...

[callas01]

Originally Posted by HAMP

I agree with everyone that has told you to go try out some speakers. Its just the funny part is everyone is saying how bright Klipsch speakers are, as if that is voodoo and a no no.... lol

You might like how Klipsch brightness sound, that is not a negative thing, I had the Klipsch F2's and loved them for movies.

I don't think it's a upgrade from the polks to the Klipsch you are asking about, unless you find out that you love the bright sound of Klipsch then Yes it's an upgrade.

Without a doubt you have some setting incorrect. I remember having that same issue. I would have to hold the remote in my hand and turn the volume up and down during a movie.

How I fixed my problem:

(1) I actually had two of my surround speakers connected wrong.
(a) This caused the Audyssey to mess up.

(2) For some reason I cannot recall the name of it, but do you have that 'Night' setting turned on/off or set at a medium?


Also sound like you have a little upgradities going on... If so, I would look into another sub woofer, your room looks a little large for that 6750 sub.

hey now i never said bright would be bad, some people like that sound, and its not that I don't like it, but I prefer the warmer sound. Kef speakers are bright and I like them. I actually like their sound over Klipsch because of the sound the horns produce. However, I would not tell anyone to avoid buying klipsch speakers.

I was simply saying that because "he doesn't like the sound of the Polks" he should not just go and buy another brand... he should audition them to make sure that he will like what he gets. Not go on a blind buy and just get something else.

[HAMP]

Originally Posted by Scott_Summers

You're probably right. I should upgrade my sub but the only reason I haven't done so is becasue I want to be able to hear the dialogues better without having to turn th volume up and down all the time. So I assumed a new/better sub would eventually cause me to mess with the volume even more...

Ok! Before buying anything, lets get the settings fixed.

[Pycroft]

If I were you, I would upgrade with adding an amp. If I'm not mistaken, the HK254 has pre-outs. I would add a 2 or 3 channel amp to power the fronts or fronts/center. That should make those speakers come to life...then if you later still to switch to another speaker, you'll be set with teh foundation fo the system.

My two cents.

Pycroft

[Scott_Summers]

Originally Posted by Pycroft

If I were you, I would upgrade with adding an amp. If I'm not mistaken, the HK254 has pre-outs. I would add a 2 or 3 channel amp to power the fronts or fronts/center. That should make those speakers come to life...then if you later still to switch to another speaker, you'll be set with teh foundation fo the system.

My two cents.

Pycroft

That's what I was thinking as well - adding another amp. But being that this is my first HT, I'm not sure which amp to start with. I'll have to go over the settings again tonight and make note of what I have them on. I think that way some of you might be able to tell me where the problem lies.

[Scott_Summers]

From one of the posts above, this was mentioned:

(2) For some reason I cannot recall the name of it, but do you have that 'Night' setting turned on/off or set at a medium?

What is that called and do most receivers have this option? I may to have really look into the settings and see if I am missing something. I've tried to go into different menu/settings to see where my problem might be but I'm pretty sure I've gone over everything. I am, however, sure that I have the fronts set at 60Hz and center set at 80Hz.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by Scott_Summers

From one of the posts above, this was mentioned:

(2) For some reason I cannot recall the name of it, but do you have that 'Night' setting turned on/off or set at a medium?

What is that called and do most receivers have this option? I may to have really look into the settings and see if I am missing something. I've tried to go into different menu/settings to see where my problem might be but I'm pretty sure I've gone over everything. I am, however, sure that I have the fronts set at 60Hz and center set at 80Hz.

Night mode or dynamic range compression.

[Scott_Summers]

Thanks! So should that be turned off or on