Newbie here, never had good speakers

24

Comments

  • ScottL79
    ScottL79 Posts: 48
    edited January 2011
    rdb2001 wrote: »
    http://www.6ave.com/shop/Product.aspx?sku=JAMS426HCS3WE

    Sixth Ave has a special going on and Jamo makes nice speakers. They have a coupon code "AFLJAM298" which brings the total down to 298. Add a nice receiver and a sub and you can have a complete theater for 1000-1200. Just throwing out some options for you.

    honestly, havent really even heard the Polk's, but im attracted to them visually already. I am diggin the cherry wood! Thanks for the heads up, but im crazy like that... iv all but made up my decision on audio equipment based on how it looks... hahahah
  • ScottL79
    ScottL79 Posts: 48
    edited January 2011
    B Run wrote: »
    For under $400 you have several options for receivers new and used. I think the 608 is definitely one of the best ones. Denon, Pioneer, and Yamaha also make some in that range but the 608 is a solid recommendation. I started out with a Onkyo 504 and within a week I found a 674 and snagged it, it was a much better receiver. From the 674 I went to the Denon 1910 which I personally liked a little better, but the 608 is much better than my old 674 was so I can't directly compare.


    Ya, i think as of right now....

    Onkyo 608
    Polk Monitor Series II 70s (cherry)
    Polk CS2 (cherry)

    then for now, keep my sony subwoofer and rears... then down the road replace the sub and rears with something comparable
  • Geoff4rfc
    Geoff4rfc Posts: 2,480
    edited January 2011
    ScottL79 wrote: »
    Ya, i think as of right now....

    Onkyo 608
    Polk Monitor Series II 70s (cherry)
    Polk CS2 (cherry)

    then for now, keep my sony subwoofer and rears... then down the road replace the sub and rears with something comparable

    That's a very good choice. The THX is a standard set by George Lucas, good for movies. The 608 is a good choice over the 508 mostly because of the power rating difference and the second sub option.

    Again, very good choice. I have the 70's in both colors, the Cherry is a very nice finish, not so much on the 30's but looks great on the 70's.
    Source: BRP Panasonic UB9000, CDP Emotiva ERC3 - Display: LG OLED EVO 83 C3 - Pre/Pro: Marantz 8802A - Amplification: Emotiva XPA-DR3, XPA-2 x 2, XPA-6, Speakers, Mains/2ch-Focal Kanta No2's, C-LSiM706, S-702F/X, RS-RTiA9's, WS-RTiA9's, FH-RTiA3's, Subs - Epik Empire x 2

    Cables: AudioQuest McKenzie XLR's/CDP/Amp, Carbon 48/BRP, Forest 48/Display, 2 channel speaker cable: Furutech FS Alpha 36 12AWG PCOCC Single Crystal (Douglas Connection)

    EXPERIENCE: next to nothing, but I sure enjoy audio and video MY OPINION OF THIS HOBBY: I may not be a smart man, but I know what quicksand is.
    When I was young, I was Superman but now that old age has gotten the best of me I'm only Batman
  • B Run
    B Run Posts: 1,888
    edited January 2011
    ScottL79 wrote: »
    Ya, i think as of right now....

    Onkyo 608
    Polk Monitor Series II 70s (cherry)
    Polk CS2 (cherry)

    then for now, keep my sony subwoofer and rears... then down the road replace the sub and rears with something comparable

    I think adding the Psw505 when you do will be a HUGE improvement over that sony, I liked the monitor 30's for surrounds they do a great job and they're a steal right now. So far you've got a nice setup going on.
  • ScottL79
    ScottL79 Posts: 48
    edited January 2011
    My wife is big into decorating, so I have to buy equipment with that in mind. We have an armoire thing in the living room where the doors shut to hide everything when we have company... lol

    but since the speakers will be visable, ill need something that looks good and im certain she wont go for the black look.

    im gonna take a picture of my setup tonight and post it, may need some ideas from you gurus, looks like most center speakers are about 8" tall and not sure how or where Im going to place it.... but think i might be able to make it work.
  • LitoZacky
    LitoZacky Posts: 115
    edited January 2011
    I like floorstanders and they are cool to look at. They sound the same to the bookshelf speakers other than deeper bass in my opinion. I highly recommend you the "KEF KHT 3005 SE" system at around $1,500 - there is one on ebay ATM for $1,245. You will be happy for as long as its still working. If your budget allows. Get the B&W MT-30. Either system will make you as happy as a clam.
    Speaker: LSi 15
    Pre/Pro: Pioneer VSX-9040
    Amp: Emotiva XPA-2
    Sub: Seaton Submersive HP
    TV: Samsung PN50B550
    DAC: soon-to-be EE Minimax Dac Plus
  • ScottL79
    ScottL79 Posts: 48
    edited January 2011
    btw, why would one want 2 subs? really, would i want/need THAT much bass? i actually think i get alot of bass out of my little sony now.
  • LitoZacky
    LitoZacky Posts: 115
    edited January 2011
    double post just to show you how serious I am about my recommendation.

    Music benefits from dual-sub the most because it even out the bass.
    For HT, another sub usually add only 6db. Not as dramatic as some thinks.

    There are more benefits from dual subs than just the output.
    Speaker: LSi 15
    Pre/Pro: Pioneer VSX-9040
    Amp: Emotiva XPA-2
    Sub: Seaton Submersive HP
    TV: Samsung PN50B550
    DAC: soon-to-be EE Minimax Dac Plus
  • ScottL79
    ScottL79 Posts: 48
    edited January 2011
    LitoZacky wrote: »
    I like floorstanders and they are cool to look at. They sound the same to the bookshelf speakers other than deeper bass in my opinion. I highly recommend you the "KEF KHT 3005 SE" system at around $1,500. You will be happy for as long as its still working. If your budget allows. Get the B&W MT-30. Either system will make you as happy as a clam.

    sorry, no offense at all. but this is not at all what im looking for. they may sound wonderful, but look like PC speakers to me.
  • ScottL79
    ScottL79 Posts: 48
    edited January 2011
    so back to the 608....

    1. so with the 1080p unconvert, i can run my little ole DVD player though it and get 1080p?? thats pretty nifty

    2. what exactly is THX? i know it has to do with movies, but what does it offer than say the 508 doesnt?

    3. 100w per channel.... is that pretty good for this setup im looking at?
  • LitoZacky
    LitoZacky Posts: 115
    edited January 2011
    1) 1080p material is from HD/BR material so I am not really sure what you are asking.
    2) THX is the ceritifcation that proved the product has passed rigorous THX tests. For AVR, there is different thx listening mode. I never use that on my AVR.
    3) 100w per channel is good enough and most receivers have power ratings at around 100ish. You should know most receivers rate their power only based on 2 channels, for the center and surround, the wattage is lower
    Speaker: LSi 15
    Pre/Pro: Pioneer VSX-9040
    Amp: Emotiva XPA-2
    Sub: Seaton Submersive HP
    TV: Samsung PN50B550
    DAC: soon-to-be EE Minimax Dac Plus
  • Geoff4rfc
    Geoff4rfc Posts: 2,480
    edited January 2011
    ScottL79 wrote: »
    so back to the 608....

    1. so with the 1080p unconvert, i can run my little ole DVD player though it and get 1080p?? thats pretty nifty

    2. what exactly is THX? i know it has to do with movies, but what does it offer than say the 508 doesnt?

    3. 100w per channel.... is that pretty good for this setup im looking at?

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/THX Hopefully this will help.


    Yes, your DVD will be up converted, but once you decide to go blu-ray, your whole world will change. The DTS-Master Audio will rock your house, especially with your speaker choice.

    I have an Onkyo 807 with 135 watts per, the 607 (prior to the 608) was a very popular receiver and rated a favorite with CNET. The power was one of the impressive points of that receiver. You should have no problem pushing drivable current to your speakers
    Source: BRP Panasonic UB9000, CDP Emotiva ERC3 - Display: LG OLED EVO 83 C3 - Pre/Pro: Marantz 8802A - Amplification: Emotiva XPA-DR3, XPA-2 x 2, XPA-6, Speakers, Mains/2ch-Focal Kanta No2's, C-LSiM706, S-702F/X, RS-RTiA9's, WS-RTiA9's, FH-RTiA3's, Subs - Epik Empire x 2

    Cables: AudioQuest McKenzie XLR's/CDP/Amp, Carbon 48/BRP, Forest 48/Display, 2 channel speaker cable: Furutech FS Alpha 36 12AWG PCOCC Single Crystal (Douglas Connection)

    EXPERIENCE: next to nothing, but I sure enjoy audio and video MY OPINION OF THIS HOBBY: I may not be a smart man, but I know what quicksand is.
    When I was young, I was Superman but now that old age has gotten the best of me I'm only Batman
  • ScottL79
    ScottL79 Posts: 48
    edited January 2011
    Geoff4rfc wrote: »
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/THX Hopefully this will help.


    Yes, your DVD will be up converted, but once you decide to go blu-ray, your whole world will change. The DTS-Master Audio will rock your house, especially with your speaker choice.

    I have an Onkyo 807 with 135 watts per, the 607 (prior to the 608) was a very popular receiver and rated a favorite with CNET. The power was one of the impressive points of that receiver. You should have no problem pushing drivable current to your speakers

    ya ill read up on that.... ohhh, i already only watch movies in bluray. I use my WDTV to rip them and watch them throughout the house..

    But i have certain movies that i dont have on bluray like for love of the game, etc
  • HTguru1982
    HTguru1982 Posts: 1,066
    edited January 2011
    That's pretty close minded, no offense. Those KEFs will produce an amazingly coherent and refined sound. They might be small but they WILL rival larger speakers in terms of output. And to be completely honest, they will sound better than Polk's TSi or Monitor series. If you're going to be close minded about certain speakers based on their size and/or appearance, you're going to miss out on a lot of good gear.
    ScottL79 wrote: »
    sorry, no offense at all. but this is not at all what im looking for. they may sound wonderful, but look like PC speakers to me.
    Display: Sony 42" LCD
    Sources: Harman Kardon DVD-27,
    Panasonic DMP-BDT110 blu ray player
    AVR: Sony STR-DA2400ES
    Amps: Sonance Sonamp 260(fronts),
    Kenwood KM-894(surrounds)
    Fronts: NHT 2.5
    Center: NHT VS-1.2A
    Surrounds: NHT Super One
    Subwoofer: SVS PB10-ISD
  • Geoff4rfc
    Geoff4rfc Posts: 2,480
    edited January 2011
    ScottL79 wrote: »
    ya ill read up on that.... ohhh, i already only watch movies in bluray. I use my WDTV to rip them and watch them throughout the house..

    But i have certain movies that i dont have on bluray like for love of the game, etc

    Right on.

    I read in another post you're from Texas, what part? I'm originally from San Antonio now stuck in the Nort West. The fam will move with me back home in a few years.

    My wife loves the real estate difference from here to there.
    Source: BRP Panasonic UB9000, CDP Emotiva ERC3 - Display: LG OLED EVO 83 C3 - Pre/Pro: Marantz 8802A - Amplification: Emotiva XPA-DR3, XPA-2 x 2, XPA-6, Speakers, Mains/2ch-Focal Kanta No2's, C-LSiM706, S-702F/X, RS-RTiA9's, WS-RTiA9's, FH-RTiA3's, Subs - Epik Empire x 2

    Cables: AudioQuest McKenzie XLR's/CDP/Amp, Carbon 48/BRP, Forest 48/Display, 2 channel speaker cable: Furutech FS Alpha 36 12AWG PCOCC Single Crystal (Douglas Connection)

    EXPERIENCE: next to nothing, but I sure enjoy audio and video MY OPINION OF THIS HOBBY: I may not be a smart man, but I know what quicksand is.
    When I was young, I was Superman but now that old age has gotten the best of me I'm only Batman
  • ScottL79
    ScottL79 Posts: 48
    edited January 2011
    Geoff4rfc wrote: »
    Right on.

    I read in another post you're from Texas, what part? I'm originally from San Antonio now stuck in the Nort West. The fam will move with me back home in a few years.

    My wife loves the real estate difference from here to there.

    im in arlington area, about 15 mins from the superbowl.... crazy around here this week
  • Geoff4rfc
    Geoff4rfc Posts: 2,480
    edited January 2011
    ScottL79 wrote: »
    im in arlington area, about 15 mins from the superbowl.... crazy around here this week

    No doubt.

    Listen, do me huge favor very please!!!! Go to Whataburger for me and eat a triple/triple, one in each hand. Thaaaaank you!
    Source: BRP Panasonic UB9000, CDP Emotiva ERC3 - Display: LG OLED EVO 83 C3 - Pre/Pro: Marantz 8802A - Amplification: Emotiva XPA-DR3, XPA-2 x 2, XPA-6, Speakers, Mains/2ch-Focal Kanta No2's, C-LSiM706, S-702F/X, RS-RTiA9's, WS-RTiA9's, FH-RTiA3's, Subs - Epik Empire x 2

    Cables: AudioQuest McKenzie XLR's/CDP/Amp, Carbon 48/BRP, Forest 48/Display, 2 channel speaker cable: Furutech FS Alpha 36 12AWG PCOCC Single Crystal (Douglas Connection)

    EXPERIENCE: next to nothing, but I sure enjoy audio and video MY OPINION OF THIS HOBBY: I may not be a smart man, but I know what quicksand is.
    When I was young, I was Superman but now that old age has gotten the best of me I'm only Batman
  • ScottL79
    ScottL79 Posts: 48
    edited January 2011
    Geoff4rfc wrote: »
    No doubt.

    Listen, do me huge favor very please!!!! Go to Whataburger for me and eat a triple/triple, one in each hand. Thaaaaank you!

    hhahaah, i had whataburger for lunch today!! bacon cheesburger with jalepenos! yum!!! gotta love that fancy ketchup :)
  • Geoff4rfc
    Geoff4rfc Posts: 2,480
    edited January 2011
    ScottL79 wrote: »
    hhahaah, i had whataburger for lunch today!! bacon cheesburger with jalepenos! yum!!! gotta love that fancy ketchup :)

    Dude, now your talking, pile on the jalepenos and put em on the side....yeah.:cool:
    Source: BRP Panasonic UB9000, CDP Emotiva ERC3 - Display: LG OLED EVO 83 C3 - Pre/Pro: Marantz 8802A - Amplification: Emotiva XPA-DR3, XPA-2 x 2, XPA-6, Speakers, Mains/2ch-Focal Kanta No2's, C-LSiM706, S-702F/X, RS-RTiA9's, WS-RTiA9's, FH-RTiA3's, Subs - Epik Empire x 2

    Cables: AudioQuest McKenzie XLR's/CDP/Amp, Carbon 48/BRP, Forest 48/Display, 2 channel speaker cable: Furutech FS Alpha 36 12AWG PCOCC Single Crystal (Douglas Connection)

    EXPERIENCE: next to nothing, but I sure enjoy audio and video MY OPINION OF THIS HOBBY: I may not be a smart man, but I know what quicksand is.
    When I was young, I was Superman but now that old age has gotten the best of me I'm only Batman
  • ScottL79
    ScottL79 Posts: 48
    edited February 2011
    Okay, here is a quick snapshot with my cell phone, so sorry for the bad quality. But there is my entertainment center Im working with. I think the polk towers in cherry will look nice on the sides, Im just worried that the new receiver may not fit up in that top spot, and have no idea where the new bigger center speaker like a CS2 will go? May have to do some customization
  • spock 2054
    spock 2054 Posts: 163
    edited February 2011
    ScottL79 wrote: »
    Okay, here is a quick snapshot with my cell phone, so sorry for the bad quality. But there is my entertainment center Im working with. I think the polk towers in cherry will look nice on the sides, Im just worried that the new receiver may not fit up in that top spot, and have no idea where the new bigger center speaker like a CS2 will go? May have to do some customization

    Ideally, the center should be located either above or below your tv. The CS2 is 1/3 the size of a monitor 60 - will probably not fit in your cabinet. The cherry 70's will look nice. They have a high WAF...(wife acceptance factor)

    Look below for great prices on factory refurb receivers:

    http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/category/AVReceiver/Home-Audio/Home-Theater-Receivers/1.html
    polk monitor 70's
    center - polk monitor cs2
    surround - polk monitor 60's
    surround back - jbl e10
    sub - velodyne dps 12
    sub - polk psw110
    avr/pre-amp - onkyo tx-nr809
    amp - adcom gfa-5500
    amp - carver av405
    display - sharp lc70le847u
    tv - silicon dust hd homern
    blu-ray - oppo bdp-103
    hd dvd- toshiba hd xa2
    control - logitech harmony one
    turntable - technics sl1500 mkII
  • ScottL79
    ScottL79 Posts: 48
    edited February 2011
    Thanks for the links... ya space is tight, not sure where to put that center... thinking i may be able to do some custom work and raise that bottom area a little bit and put it in there?
  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited February 2011
    Some serious "toe-in" on those towers.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
  • ScottL79
    ScottL79 Posts: 48
    edited February 2011
    i may be able to mount it to the wood underneath the receiver. Dont think there is a full 8" between that wood and the top of the TV there... but the tv is so thin and sits way up front, it would probably fit "behind" the tv up there... but how would that sound being higher than the tv and much higher than me sitting on couch?
  • spock 2054
    spock 2054 Posts: 163
    edited February 2011
    steveinaz wrote: »
    Some serious "toe-in" on those towers.

    Hey Steve: It might look a little funky with the degree of toe in of the monitor 70's, but it sounds excellent. Did a lot of experimenting before settling on the angle...
    polk monitor 70's
    center - polk monitor cs2
    surround - polk monitor 60's
    surround back - jbl e10
    sub - velodyne dps 12
    sub - polk psw110
    avr/pre-amp - onkyo tx-nr809
    amp - adcom gfa-5500
    amp - carver av405
    display - sharp lc70le847u
    tv - silicon dust hd homern
    blu-ray - oppo bdp-103
    hd dvd- toshiba hd xa2
    control - logitech harmony one
    turntable - technics sl1500 mkII
  • Couhemump
    Couhemump Posts: 1
    edited February 2011
    agsgaga
    agagafg
    agagagha
    abzaabafdd
  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited February 2011
    spock 2054 wrote: »
    Hey Steve: It might look a little funky with the degree of toe in of the monitor 70's, but it sounds excellent. Did a lot of experimenting before settling on the angle...

    Whatever works, I guess. I have the same speakers on an 11.5' wall and the toe-in is nowhere as much as you have. It's at an angle that forms a perfect equilateral triangle with the sweet-spot. But if it sounds good? Hey.

    cnh
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
  • Geoff4rfc
    Geoff4rfc Posts: 2,480
    edited February 2011
    Scott, I know you don't want to go hacking on a nice piece of furniture, but I see three possibles for your center; down below, behind the cabinets, probably the easiest, just open the doors for movie time, or, the riser your flat panel sits on could be made higher, I made one of those to put my center under the plasma until I mounted my flat panel to the wall, or, up top, you could make that upper shelf a little lower to increase the overall height of the opening.
    Source: BRP Panasonic UB9000, CDP Emotiva ERC3 - Display: LG OLED EVO 83 C3 - Pre/Pro: Marantz 8802A - Amplification: Emotiva XPA-DR3, XPA-2 x 2, XPA-6, Speakers, Mains/2ch-Focal Kanta No2's, C-LSiM706, S-702F/X, RS-RTiA9's, WS-RTiA9's, FH-RTiA3's, Subs - Epik Empire x 2

    Cables: AudioQuest McKenzie XLR's/CDP/Amp, Carbon 48/BRP, Forest 48/Display, 2 channel speaker cable: Furutech FS Alpha 36 12AWG PCOCC Single Crystal (Douglas Connection)

    EXPERIENCE: next to nothing, but I sure enjoy audio and video MY OPINION OF THIS HOBBY: I may not be a smart man, but I know what quicksand is.
    When I was young, I was Superman but now that old age has gotten the best of me I'm only Batman
  • ScottL79
    ScottL79 Posts: 48
    edited February 2011
    Geoff,

    I didnt think about the bottom portion and opening the doors... hmmm thats a thought, but just not really ideal..

    I dont mind "modding" this cabinet to make it work, but Im just not sure whats the best way to do so. Iv never really done wood work before and my wife would literally kill me if i messed this thing up. I bought it for her as an anniversary gift when we first got married...

    The top part wherer my receiver is in now is a thought, and I think i may have to do something with that already. I looked and my receiver now is 6.25" tall and most the Onkyo receivers Im looking at (specifically the 608) is 6.9" tall... gonna have to look when I get home, but Im pretty sure it barley fits now... hope that will fit without any problems, but im not real sure of it... i remember it being tight...

    that being said, i wouldnt mind doing something to the bottom portion to raise it up a bit and have it under there. But, even if i can do the wood work and do it, now there is nowhere for my WDTV, direct receiver, dvd and eventual bluray player(all bluray on WDTV now). I guess I could store them all underneath behind the doors or maybe add a 2nd shelf thing underneath the place where the receiver is now.

    as far as doing the wood work, what would you suggest? lets think of the bottom shelf the TV is sitting on now... im thkning i would remove that all together, and hopefully salvage the "top" where the tv sits on, then the side pieces that give it height, just get 2 new pieces of wood and try and stain and match it exactly...
  • Geoff4rfc
    Geoff4rfc Posts: 2,480
    edited February 2011
    Couhemump wrote: »
    agsgaga
    agagafg
    agagagha
    abzaabafdd

    Congratulations on such a brilliant first post :biggrin:
    ScottL79 wrote: »
    i may be able to mount it to the wood underneath the receiver. Dont think there is a full 8" between that wood and the top of the TV there... but the tv is so thin and sits way up front, it would probably fit "behind" the tv up there... but how would that sound being higher than the tv and much higher than me sitting on couch?

    Here's some off color photos of my "over the tv" installation. Not that you should do this but to show that, "Anything is possible".

    IMG00040-20110203-1128.jpg

    IMG00039-20110203-1127.jpg

    IMG00042-20110203-1129.jpg

    And a shot of the old riser I built before wall mounting.....

    P1000525.jpg

    Note, the old SKS-HT870 Onkyo speakers :cool:
    Source: BRP Panasonic UB9000, CDP Emotiva ERC3 - Display: LG OLED EVO 83 C3 - Pre/Pro: Marantz 8802A - Amplification: Emotiva XPA-DR3, XPA-2 x 2, XPA-6, Speakers, Mains/2ch-Focal Kanta No2's, C-LSiM706, S-702F/X, RS-RTiA9's, WS-RTiA9's, FH-RTiA3's, Subs - Epik Empire x 2

    Cables: AudioQuest McKenzie XLR's/CDP/Amp, Carbon 48/BRP, Forest 48/Display, 2 channel speaker cable: Furutech FS Alpha 36 12AWG PCOCC Single Crystal (Douglas Connection)

    EXPERIENCE: next to nothing, but I sure enjoy audio and video MY OPINION OF THIS HOBBY: I may not be a smart man, but I know what quicksand is.
    When I was young, I was Superman but now that old age has gotten the best of me I'm only Batman