Newbie needs help with front speakers (for now)

lawndart

Hi all. My first post and Im looking for some advice. My GF and I want to get a home theater set up for our living room (approx 10x15) and she gave the ok for a set of front speakers(ill work on her to get a sub and surrounds.) It'll be for music for the time being (till i get the rears, center and surrounds). Tastes are Muse, early 80s New Wave (synths), rock, punk, but i've been dying to get into classical.

I've got my eye on an Onkyo TXSR608 receiver that i can get for 360 NIB. Now Im at a loss as to what speakers to get. I initially wanted the Polk Tsi300s for the front but when I listened to them at the store (PC Richards) they sounded a little anemic in the bass. I know eventually Ill be getting a sub. I like the compactness of the 300s.

With the money i save going with the 300s i could afford a sub PSw110 or 112. Would the Rsi 400s give me a better low end? I went to another store that had the 400s and I liked them. They were initially playing a pair of Kefs Iq90s that i really liked (but sorta out of our price range).

What would you recommend for my set up. I'd have to say our budget would be 200 to 350 for each speaker. My GF would be insisting that they are new so used would be out.

Thanks for your time

Sean

djperez81

Welcome to CP.
Have you checked out the monitor line you could get some monitor 70's and a cs2 center for about 500 bucks on newegg.

cnh

WELCOME TO CLUB POLK!

d-81 has some good advice for you. M-70s are a good starter system and the Onkyo will be able to give them some juice though they can handle a LOT more. As above....you'll want to pair that with a CS2 and get some M40s/30s for surrounds. On a budget and want a decent sub...check out the PSW505 on the same site!

Also, if you can afford to step up to the Onkyo TX-SR 708....consider that! The 700 series has pre-outs for external amplification and also UPS your resale value...as many here are looking for that feature!

Good luck on the JOURNEY!

cnh

EndersShadow

Just to expound on the above comment, the Monitors were replaced by the TSI series. Sonically they are about identical and the Monitor series are the ones you want to look for, not the MonitorII's (same thing as Monitors, just look different and cost more).

So if you get the Monitor 70's (TSi400's) or the Monitor 60's (TSi300's) you can save some considerable cash.....

lawndart

Thanks everyone.

I just missed out on the Monitor70s at Newegg for 179(sale ended last night, now they're 249). JR Music has them for 199, still a good deal i take it. Has anyone dealt with JR Music? I could see if Newegg will price match or offer the 179 price.

With the Onkyo 608 Im just getting by with the ok from the GF for $360. Is there another receiver in that price range that has pre-amp outs? When looking at the specs of the 608 i thought it said it had pre-outs?

txcoastal1

I have ordered several items from J&R and received them quickly, as for returns never had to so really haven't dealt with customer service...but have had good and bad service from Newegg so don't see what would be much difference...good luck

mudwrx

I have the Onkyo 608, no it does not have pre-outs. For me this is fine, I do not need them. Overall the 608 is doing a fantastic job for me. I have TSi400's with a CS20 center and PSW505 sub (also FXi A4 surrounds). The 608 also has 6 hdmi ins.
I would think for your setup and room size you do not need to go with a more expensive AVR just for pre-outs. It's true it will help resale, but for me that was a non-factor. I have my setup in a large room and it sounds great.

lawndart

thanks for the replies everyone. So JR and New Egg are somewhat comparable.

lawndart

Ordered a pair of Monitor70s from JR. the guy said it'd be here either tomorrow or thursday. 199 free shipping no tax since i live in Jersey.

djperez81

mudwrx wrote: »

I have the Onkyo 608, no it does not have pre-outs. For me this is fine, I do not need them. Overall the 608 is doing a fantastic job for me. I have TSi400's with a CS20 center and PSW505 sub (also FXi A4 surrounds). The 608 also has 6 hdmi ins.
I would think for your setup and room size you do not need to go with a more expensive AVR just for pre-outs. It's true it will help resale, but for me that was a non-factor. I have my setup in a large room and it sounds great.

i somewhat agree with you because my system sounded great with my 603 but i have read on the forum that external amplification make speakers open and have a much better sound range so i just bought an 801 and possibly gonna look for an amp. I guess if you think you might want to add an amp in the future just go ahead and get one with preouts now so you dont want to kick yourself in the **** later when you get the itch to want to add an amp.