Speakers and Cables?

[skatinkamel]

So now that my Onkyo 607 is on the way im shopping for a new speaker system.
Any suggestions for speakers? I havnt bought anything yet. I am on somewhat of a budget. For speakers i plan on spending around $1000. I am going to set up a 5.1 channel system. So far the speakers that i have seen that look interesting are:

Polk Audio

Bookshelf: TSi200
http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/t...x.php?s=tsi200

Center: CS20
http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/tsi/index.php?s=cs20

Sub: PSW111
http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/p...x.php?s=psw111

These are definitely not finalized just suggestions and ideas. Any suggestions for speaker wiring would be great as well. I dont have a clue where to start with good wiring. Also i need to buy an output HDMI to my LCD from the receiver. Ive used monsters on my blu-ray and 360 ,but not sure what i will use for this one. Thanks for all the help!

[callas01]

Originally Posted by skatinkamel

So now that my Onkyo 607 is on the way im shopping for a new speaker system.
Any suggestions for speakers? I havnt bought anything yet. I am on somewhat of a budget. For speakers i plan on spending around $1000. I am going to set up a 5.1 channel system. So far the speakers that i have seen that look interesting are:

Polk Audio

Bookshelf: TSi200
http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/t...x.php?s=tsi200

Center: CS20
http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/tsi/index.php?s=cs20

Sub: PSW111
http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/p...x.php?s=psw111

These are definitely not finalized just suggestions and ideas. Any suggestions for speaker wiring would be great as well. I dont have a clue where to start with good wiring. Also i need to buy an output HDMI to my LCD from the receiver. Ive used monsters on my blu-ray and 360 ,but not sure what i will use for this one. Thanks for all the help!

try these speakers also, you can hear them at a Best Buy with a Magnolia center in it, they are better speakers IMO. They have better mid-range detail, better coherence, and better balanced.

Energy CB-20s
or
Energy CB-10s

and for a center
Energy CC-10

And forget about Polk Subs, they just are not that good. try these subs
elemental Designs A2-250
Hsu STF-1
PA-10W
PA-120
BIC H-100

[callas01]

Originally Posted by callas01

try these speakers also, you can hear them at a Best Buy with a Magnolia center in it, they are better speakers IMO. They have better mid-range detail, better coherence, and better balanced.

Energy CB-20s
or
Energy CB-10s

and for a center
Energy CC-10

And forget about Polk Subs, they just are not that good. try these subs
elemental Designs A2-250
Hsu STF-1
PA-10W
PA-120
BIC H-100

oopps,

for cables, Monoprice.com, you should get 14 awg speaker wire, and at least one more HDMI cable.

[callas01]

you could also go to
http://saturdayaudio.com/

and check out the PSB Image sale, and look for the B15 bookshelf and the C40 center channel, then add one of the subs I listed above....PSB makes very nice speakers also.

[LordoftheRings]

1. PSB Image speakers: YES.

2. Emotiva Ultra10 sub: Only $269!
Here: @ http://emotiva.com/ultra_sub10.shtm

3. And for Speaker & Interconnect cables: MonoPrice.

_________________________________________________

* Budget speakers (but really good), Behringer Truth B2030P (Passive) for only $107.75 per pair:
Here: @ http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16836196001

* Budget sub, Dayton Sub-120 HT Series 12", for only $155.23:
Here: @ http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...number=300-635

* Budget cables (all types): Still, MonoPrice.
Speaker Wires (14 AWG) [Click on the left]: @ http://www.monoprice.com/home/index.asp

[skatinkamel]

Thanks so much! so many choices, but these speakers look great. The only concerns i see with the psb b15s is the over all power. I think they only put out a max of 80 watts. The cb10 looks very good. The cc-5 as a center is also interesting. I question whether its too weak though and if i should step up to the cc-10. As far as the subs im begining to seriously consider the elemental designs. ive been getting many suggestions for the a2 subs.

monoprice is awesome too! the prices are amazing and i will be buying all my cables from them. Thanks for sharing all of your knowledge and helping with my final decision!

[skatinkamel]

also can anyone help me understand hooking up a sub because i am confused with the process. Basically, i see that there is an output to the sub and an input on the sub. What confuses me is the different jacks on the sub. What type of cable would you want to use when setting up your sub?

[LordoftheRings]

Originally Posted by skatinkamel

Thanks so much! so many choices, but these speakers look great. The only concerns i see with the psb b15s is the over all power. I think they only put out a max of 80 watts. The cb10 looks very good. The cc-5 as a center is also interesting. I question whether its too weak though and if i should step up to the cc-10. As far as the subs im begining to seriously consider the elemental designs. ive been getting many suggestions for the a2 subs.

monoprice is awesome too! the prices are amazing and i will be buying all my cables from them. Thanks for sharing all of your knowledge and helping with my final decision!

Don't let the total power handling influence your judgement, it's only a rough estimate (my Rear surrounds are rated at 50 watts, yet my receiver can shoot them 140 real watts of power!)
But for your three Front main speakers, try to have a driver(s) of 6 inches in diameter, so you can cross them at around 80 Hz in your receiver's "Speakers Setup" from the Menu.

* 'Elemental Designs' for your sub =

Originally Posted by skatinkamel

also can anyone help me understand hooking up a sub because i am confused with the process. Basically, i see that there is an output to the sub and an input on the sub. What confuses me is the different jacks on the sub. What type of cable would you want to use when setting up your sub?

On the rear of your 607 (hopefully you'll read all your manual very carefully ), there is a "Sub Out" RCA jack, it goes to the "Input" RCA jack in the rear of the sub. So you just need a single interconnect cable with a male RCA plug at each end. If you position your sub let's say about 2.5 meters from your receiver, get a 3 meter long interconnect cable.

* In my signature, there is an "Audyssey Setup Guide" and an "Audyssey FAQ", just click in their respective links, and read them very carefully, taking all the time in the world. That'll get you in a very good ball park.

Talk you later (about the various settings from your new toy, TX-SR607).

Cheers,
Bob

P.S. I fixed the link for the Dayton sub (from post #5, just in case).

P.P.S. Callas01, why did you not answered the OP? ...You're doing an excellent job at helping him, I only offered him more options, and gave you my support.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by skatinkamel

also can anyone help me understand hooking up a sub because i am confused with the process. Basically, i see that there is an output to the sub and an input on the sub. What confuses me is the different jacks on the sub. What type of cable would you want to use when setting up your sub?

you should get a sub cable (RG6) and a y-splitter with one female and 2 male connections. eD makes great subs, and I have very please with mine. Youre receiver will have a sub out, so from the sub out on the receiver, then connect the other side of the sub cable to the y-adapter and then then the 2 male ends of the y-splitter to the Line in (red and white inputs) on the back of the sub.

Originally Posted by skatinkamel

Thanks so much! so many choices, but these speakers look great. The only concerns i see with the psb b15s is the over all power. I think they only put out a max of 80 watts. The cb10 looks very good. The cc-5 as a center is also interesting. I question whether its too weak though and if i should step up to the cc-10. As far as the subs im begining to seriously consider the elemental designs. ive been getting many suggestions for the a2 subs.

monoprice is awesome too! the prices are amazing and i will be buying all my cables from them. Thanks for sharing all of your knowledge and helping with my final decision!

Don't worry about the power rating for the PSB speakers, they will take what you throw at them. You probably won't ever have your Onkyo turned up enough to over drive the speakers.

Energy and PSB all share commonalities. PSB and Energy both participated in and started designing speakers based on the information obtained from the National Research Counsel of Acoustic Research in Canada, and they make linear speakers that have flat frequency responses. I believe Paradigm came about 10 yrs later or so. Both manufactures make exceptional speakers, and it really comes down to which sound you prefer the most.

I have the C-100s which are the predecessors to the C-C10, I have connected them as fronts for both HT and music, and while they don't have the full impact of the C-300 towers that I have, they did fill my 16x13 room with very good sound. I would not suggest getting the CC-5, the CC-10 is designed to be used with all their speakers, the CC-5 is supposed to be used in conjunction with the CB-5s. You will like the added power and better cohesion of the CC-10 with the CB-10s or 20s if you go that route.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by LordoftheRings

Don't let the total power handling influence your judgement, it's only a rough estimate (my Rear surrounds are rated at 50 watts, yet my receiver can shoot them 140 real watts of power!)
But for your three Front main speakers, try to have a driver(s) of 6 inches in diameter, so you can cross them at around 80 Hz in your receiver's "Speakers Setup" from the Menu.

* 'Elemental Designs' for your sub =



On the rear of your 607 (hopefully you'll read all your manual very carefully ), there is a "Sub Out" RCA jack, it goes to the "Input" RCA jack in the rear of the sub. So you just need a single interconnect cable with a male RCA plug at each end. If you position your sub let's say about 2.5 meters from your receiver, get a 3 meter long interconnect cable.

* In my signature, there is an "Audyssey Setup Guide" and an "Audyssey FAQ", just click in their respective links, and read them very carefully, taking all the time in the world. That'll get you in a very good ball park.

Talk you later (about the various settings from your new toy, TX-SR607).

Cheers,
Bob

P.S. I fixed the link for the Dayton sub (from post #5, just in case).

P.P.S. Callas01, why did you not answered the OP? ...You're doing an excellent job at helping him, I only offered him more options, and gave you my support.

when I first answered his question, I was at work, then I had to go home and I am on the west coast and add in cooking dinner, cleaning, packing my lunch, 2 kids, and a Pregnant wife, i don't usually get online until about 9pm PST or later. So I hadn't yet seen his response to my original posts. I actually started my post before you posted yours also.... it just took me forever to post it.

Also, why a 6 inch driver? I have seen plenty of 5"-5.5" drivers that can get plenty low enough to be crossed over at 80 hz. Heck the Totem Arro is a 4.5" that plays to 40 hz, and I have heard it too....surprised the piss outta me when I heard it play actual bass. Heck my C-100s play to 55 hz and can cross at 80 nicely.

I agree in that I think in general you need to be aware of the frequency response so you know where the crossover should happen, and buy speakers that will work properly as a front soundstage.

[skatinkamel]

Thanks for clearing up the sub cabling for me it now makes perfect sense to me. Im starting to understand what your saying about driver size and crossing over but i honestly knew nothing about it. Determining where the crossover should happen is extremely confusing. Im currently researching it and trying to understand how it works exactly. Anyway, I have just ordered a high speed HDMI for my receiver which it arrives tomorrow! I have also been looking over the Audyssey Guide and FAQ which both are informing and interesting. I cant wait to start actually using Audyssey. One thing im concerned with is actually hearing these speakers you guys mention before i actually bite the bullet and purchase them. Ive been looking all around my town for places that carry them ,but ive had no luck.

Also, i plan on thoroughly reading my onkyo manual seeing as i wont have be ordering my speakers for at least a couple weeks, unfortunately. Thanks for the help! Ill definitely have more questions as i continue researching speakers and the process crossing over. its a bit overwhelming at the moment haha!

[callas01]

Originally Posted by skatinkamel

Thanks for clearing up the sub cabling for me it now makes perfect sense to me. Im starting to understand what your saying about driver size and crossing over but i honestly knew nothing about it. Determining where the crossover should happen is extremely confusing. Im currently researching it and trying to understand how it works exactly. Anyway, I have just ordered a high speed HDMI for my receiver which it arrives tomorrow! I have also been looking over the Audyssey Guide and FAQ which both are informing and interesting. I cant wait to start actually using Audyssey. One thing im concerned with is actually hearing these speakers you guys mention before i actually bite the bullet and purchase them. Ive been looking all around my town for places that carry them ,but ive had no luck.

Also, i plan on thoroughly reading my onkyo manual seeing as i wont have be ordering my speakers for at least a couple weeks, unfortunately. Thanks for the help! Ill definitely have more questions as i continue researching speakers and the process crossing over. its a bit overwhelming at the moment haha!

can you do me a favor and PM me your city, state and zip, I will help you find some dealers.

Crossing over just means that you need to set the receiver up so it will send audio signals below a certian frequency to the sub and as the subwoofer can play those frequencies better then loudspeakers can. 80 hz is a general setting, kinda fail-safe, however you can crossover depending on your speakers low end frequency rating between typically 50-90 hz, without the sub being localized in your room, meaning you know the bass is coming from right of the right front speaker,.... Personally I use 70 hz.

Satelite speakers, really small speakers, typically have a Low end frequency of 100-120 hz and then you will begin to notice the bass actually coming from the sub. and where the sub is in the room. Basically the sub will not sound as integrated into the sound system you have at that point.

[LordoftheRings]

Originally Posted by callas01

when I first answered his question, I was at work, then I had to go home and I am on the west coast and add in cooking dinner, cleaning, packing my lunch, 2 kids, and a Pregnant wife, i don't usually get online until about 9pm PST or later. So I hadn't yet seen his response to my original posts. I actually started my post before you posted yours also.... it just took me forever to post it.

Got you!

Also, why a 6 inch driver? I have seen plenty of 5"-5.5" drivers that can get plenty low enough to be crossed over at 80 hz. Heck the Totem Arro is a 4.5" that plays to 40 hz, and I have heard it too....surprised the piss outta me when I heard it play actual bass. Heck my C-100s play to 55 hz and can cross at 80 nicely.

Just as a general rule. ...There is a natural frequency slope with drivers of a certain diameter, and it's a good rule to respect; more than the speaker box' vented port. I was just sayin' from my experience on this subject.
...And it goes much further than this, but I won't elaborate here as it will take an entire book to explain.

I agree in that I think in general you need to be aware of the frequency response so you know where the crossover should happen, and buy speakers that will work properly as a front soundstage.

[skatinkamel]

found somewhere with the energy speakers, finally. im gunna go have a listen to em tomorrow!
would you recommend the cb-20s or the cr-10s as surround speakers?

[callas01]

Originally Posted by skatinkamel

found somewhere with the energy speakers, finally. im gunna go have a listen to em tomorrow!
would you recommend the cb-20s or the cr-10s as surround speakers?

what were you planning on using as fronts?

[skatinkamel]

i was thinkin cb-20s for the front?

[callas01]

Originally Posted by skatinkamel

i was thinkin cb-20s for the front?

if your going to use the CB20s up front, then you could use the CB-10s ro the CR-10s, if you are going to wall mount the speakers, then the CR-10s would be the way to go, if they will be on a shelf then I would use the CB-10s as you don't need the larger driver in the rear as surrounds. I use the C-100s which are the same as the CB-10s and they work great for surrounds...

[skatinkamel]

can anyone recommend a good connector for my wiring? ive heard banana is good but im not sure what to get.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by skatinkamel

can anyone recommend a good connector for my wiring? ive heard banana is good but im not sure what to get.

banana plugs or spade connectors are fine. Monoprice will have them too.

[skatinkamel]

Got my 607 so far im loving it! been workin on it all day. anyway, banana plugs are probably what im planning on going with. also, what do you think of dual banana plugs are they the same or are they alot better? I was looking at how i was going to have my 5.1 set up and have a question. this may sound dumb but its somewhat confusing me. for my surround speakers, do i plug them into the surround or the surround back input. im thinking surr. back but im not sure
Thanks again