Newbie here, never had good speakers

13

Comments

  • ScottL79
    ScottL79 Posts: 48
    edited February 2011
    btw, i was really wanting to go with the Monitor 70s, but saw this deal on ebay... what do you guys think? seems like a great deal?

    http://cgi.ebay.com/Polk-Audio-Monitor60-Pair-CS2-Single-/300521597698?pt=Speakers_Subwoofers&hash=item45f87bab02
  • Geoff4rfc
    Geoff4rfc Posts: 2,480
    edited February 2011
    ScottL79 wrote: »
    btw, i was really wanting to go with the Monitor 70s, but saw this deal on ebay... what do you guys think? seems like a great deal?

    http://cgi.ebay.com/Polk-Audio-Monitor60-Pair-CS2-Single-/300521597698?pt=Speakers_Subwoofers&hash=item45f87bab02

    That looks like a pretty sweet deal, I hear refurbished are really decent. You get the original "Monitors" instead of the updated "Monitor Series II" and you'll get the silver faces instead of the black faces, but hey, a pair of 60's and a CS2 for 300, sounds pretty good.
    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
    i dont mind spending a couple extra bucks for something thats better, just happen to see this.... so would it be better to get the series 2?
  • Geoff4rfc
    Geoff4rfc Posts: 2,480
    edited February 2011
    ScottL79 wrote: »
    i dont mind spending a couple extra bucks for something thats better, just happen to see this.... so would it be better to get the series 2?

    The series II is newer and IMO, better looking. I don't personally care for the silver face, the black face is where it's at for me, especially when the lights go out and I've got the grills off, you can see nothing but the hint of 10 6.5 drivers, pretty sweet.
    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
    ya, im just curious with 2 kids, dog and a cat how much I will have those grills off :)
  • Geoff4rfc
    Geoff4rfc Posts: 2,480
    edited February 2011
    ScottL79 wrote: »
    ya, im just curious with 2 kids, dog and a cat how much I will have those grills off :)

    Haha, probably never :biggrin:
    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
    so other than the silver vs. black, anything else different? how about the wood cabinet part? is it the same? how about the sound? anythign different? if its only black vs silver, i might jump on these right now.
  • ScottL79
    ScottL79 Posts: 48
    edited February 2011
    man, just wish they were the 70s... i havent even heard these speakers lol... but was really set on the 70s
  • Earthy
    Earthy Posts: 488
    edited February 2011
    ScottL79 wrote: »
    ya, im just curious with 2 kids, dog and a cat how much I will have those grills off :)

    I was gifted with kids that just got it from the git go. First we put gates around them, then I told them the speakers were too fragile and not to touch. No fear tactics. They never put a single mark on my LS70's. Even with them in the primary play area. One of the many, many reasons I am proud of them. As for dogs and cats. Dogs stayed outside, and never had cats.
    Polk Audio SDA SRS 2.3TL
    Parasound Halo A21
    Parasound Halo P3

    Home theater
    Polk LSiM 707, 706c, 703, 705
    Polk Blackstone TL3 for height
    SVS PB12-ISD Sub
    Denon AVR-X6400h
    Parasound Halo A51
    LG OLED65B7A
    Sony UBPX800
    Logitech Harmony Elite
    PC LSiM 703
    Spare LSIM 702 and 706c

    Home Theater #2
    Polk Audio LS70, CS350LS, LSF/X, S4
    Onkyo TX-NR808



  • Geoff4rfc
    Geoff4rfc Posts: 2,480
    edited February 2011
    ScottL79 wrote: »
    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...

    That's really a nice piece of furniture. It looks like the main doors open and slide into the cabinet, is that right?

    One consideration would be to suspend the tv, running brackets from the sides to create a grill to mount the tv on, or, just bring up the height of the riser it sits on??

    I took Mech. drawing and a couple of wood shops growing up in S.A., I've got basic wood building skills as you might have seen from the photos I posted. If you want any special help, I'll do what I can from an Internet point of view.
    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
    well i dont think kids will mess with them really, they are good... my dog is an english bulldog and lazier than my cat... i really dont see anything happening to be honest and they do look so much better with grill off.......
  • Geoff4rfc
    Geoff4rfc Posts: 2,480
    edited February 2011
    ScottL79 wrote: »
    man, just wish they were the 70s... i havent even heard these speakers lol... but was really set on the 70s

    Two things to consider here; One, buy the 60's now and wait to get 70's later and move the 60's to the surround postition (I've seen that done). Or, buy the 60's now and beat yourself up wondering how much better the 70's would've sounded.

    I was in your seat not too long ago, I opted for the NOT wondering if, and got 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
  • ScottL79
    ScottL79 Posts: 48
    edited February 2011
    Geoff4rfc wrote: »
    That's really a nice piece of furniture. It looks like the main doors open and slide into the cabinet, is that right?

    One consideration would be to suspend the tv, running brackets from the sides to create a grill to mount the tv on, or, just bring up the height of the riser it sits on??

    I took Mech. drawing and a couple of wood shops growing up in S.A., I've got basic wood building skills as you might have seen from the photos I posted. If you want any special help, I'll do what I can from an Internet point of view.


    thanks, the picture does it no justice, it really is nice. Just about every birthday or anniversary i get her a new piece of furniture. The last bookshelf I got her is about 9 feet tall and just awesome!!

    yes, the doos open and slide back, in fact looks much nicer when doors are closed. But the tv is literally as big as possible to fit inside this and its kinda a pain to open/close the doors now, so it stays open most the time unless we have company coming over

    im not certain what im going to do, ill definetly keep yall updated with my decision once i get the center speaker.
  • ScottL79
    ScottL79 Posts: 48
    edited February 2011
    Geoff4rfc wrote: »
    Two things to consider here; One, buy the 60's now and wait to get 70's later and move the 60's to the surround postition (I've seen that done). Or, buy the 60's now and beat yourself up wondering how much better the 70's would've sounded.

    I was in your seat not too long ago, I opted for the NOT wondering if, and got the 70's.

    ya... ill get the black 70s :)
  • Geoff4rfc
    Geoff4rfc Posts: 2,480
    edited February 2011
    ScottL79 wrote: »
    so other than the silver vs. black, anything else different? how about the wood cabinet part? is it the same? how about the sound? anythign different? if its only black vs silver, i might jump on these right now.

    Spec wise, the speakers are identical. When the grill is on, you can see a silver outline of the face. I think the grill is a shade of grey as well.

    The Monitor is just an older speaker, you won't find any on the egg, just through ebay.

    The Monitor series II is already falling in line to the newer TSi series, different driver bracket and slight wattage and db ratings, but still the same speaker.

    Myself, I prefer new to old but I ended up in the middle, figured it was a safe move.

    Best o luck in your decisions, don't hesitate to ask anything anytime, and when all else fails, shove a huge Whataburger in your mouth and think; "Geoff can't have one of these like I can". :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
  • spock 2054
    spock 2054 Posts: 163
    edited February 2011
    ScottL79 wrote: »
    so other than the silver vs. black, anything else different? how about the wood cabinet part? is it the same? how about the sound? anythign different? if its only black vs silver, i might jump on these right now.

    No differences other than cosmetic. That is a smokin' hot deal on the 60's and CS2 on fleabay for the buy it now price..bid now!
    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
  • Geoff4rfc
    Geoff4rfc Posts: 2,480
    edited February 2011
    ScottL79 wrote: »
    ya... ill get the black 70s :)

    Good choice, you'll be glad you did.
    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
  • Geoff4rfc
    Geoff4rfc Posts: 2,480
    edited February 2011
    ScottL79 wrote: »
    ya... ill get the black 70s :)

    Check out the sub I'm adding to my Monitors.....

    http://www.epiksubwoofers.com/empire.html

    Gonna order it tomorrow, so happy....
    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
  • inthewoods
    inthewoods Posts: 54
    edited February 2011
    Another vote for M70's!!

    I just hooked up my HT system last night and I can't wait to get home to tweak it some more! :biggrin:

    I bought the complete system from newegg for $1190 shipped:
    • Onkyo TX-SR608
    • Monitor 70
    • CS2
    • PSW505
    • RC60i
    Panasonic 58" Viera S2 Plasma | Onkyo TX-SR608 | Monitor 70 Series II | CS2 | PSW505 | RC60i
  • Geoff4rfc
    Geoff4rfc Posts: 2,480
    edited February 2011
    inthewoods wrote: »
    Another vote for M70's!!

    I just hooked up my HT system last night and I can't wait to get home to tweak it some more! :biggrin:

    I bought the complete system from newegg for $1190 shipped:
    • Onkyo TX-SR608
    • Monitor 70
    • CS2
    • PSW505
    • RC60i

    You go big baller.........:smile:
    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
    inthewoods wrote: »
    Another vote for M70's!!

    I just hooked up my HT system last night and I can't wait to get home to tweak it some more! :biggrin:

    I bought the complete system from newegg for $1190 shipped:
    • Onkyo TX-SR608
    • Monitor 70
    • CS2
    • PSW505
    • RC60i

    wow, thats exactly what i want pretty much... is there a link to this package deal? thanks!
  • Geoff4rfc
    Geoff4rfc Posts: 2,480
    edited February 2011
    ScottL79 wrote: »
    wow, thats exactly what i want pretty much... is there a link to this package deal? thanks!

    Just get on the egg, you can surf it and find all the deals.

    http://www.newegg.com/Index.aspx?name=Home
    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
  • Geoff4rfc
    Geoff4rfc Posts: 2,480
    edited February 2011
    ScottL79 wrote: »
    dang, up to $249 today :(

    Yeah, the black ones can still be had though.
    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
  • inthewoods
    inthewoods Posts: 54
    edited February 2011
    ScottL79 wrote: »
    dang, up to $249 today :(
    The black M70's are still $180 :cool:
    Panasonic 58" Viera S2 Plasma | Onkyo TX-SR608 | Monitor 70 Series II | CS2 | PSW505 | RC60i
  • ScottL79
    ScottL79 Posts: 48
    edited February 2011
    inthewoods wrote: »
    The black M70's are still $180 :cool:

    im confused... i saved that link the other day, it was $179, when i click it now, it says $249
  • Geoff4rfc
    Geoff4rfc Posts: 2,480
    edited February 2011
    ScottL79 wrote: »
    im confused... i saved that link the other day, it was $179, when i click it now, it says $249

    The link I sent was for the cheery, that sale is over but the black is still on.
    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
  • inthewoods
    inthewoods Posts: 54
    edited February 2011
    newegg changes prices daily... I think that that sale ended on 2/2 for the cherry M70's
    Panasonic 58" Viera S2 Plasma | Onkyo TX-SR608 | Monitor 70 Series II | CS2 | PSW505 | RC60i
  • ScottL79
    ScottL79 Posts: 48
    edited February 2011
    Okay guys, I measured my tv armoire last night. The top spot where my receiver currently is, measures exactly 6.5" tall. I see the Onkyo receiver I want is bigger than that :(

    The bottom portion where my electronics are measures 5.25"

    Then the "open" area above the tv is about 6.5"... so there is room in there if I were to raise the bottom, or lower the top part.

    That being said, i looked at the areas that I would have to modify, and they are not screwed together, they are glued or something. So not sure how I will disasemble everything without brut force and chance of **** it up... Im kinda bummed.
  • Earthy
    Earthy Posts: 488
    edited February 2011
    Welcome to the place many of us end up. You many be thinking of a new equipment stand. I ended up wall mounting my set and building a new stand. It took a while to decide exactly how to proceed.
    Polk Audio SDA SRS 2.3TL
    Parasound Halo A21
    Parasound Halo P3

    Home theater
    Polk LSiM 707, 706c, 703, 705
    Polk Blackstone TL3 for height
    SVS PB12-ISD Sub
    Denon AVR-X6400h
    Parasound Halo A51
    LG OLED65B7A
    Sony UBPX800
    Logitech Harmony Elite
    PC LSiM 703
    Spare LSIM 702 and 706c

    Home Theater #2
    Polk Audio LS70, CS350LS, LSF/X, S4
    Onkyo TX-NR808