Quality Surround Sound System for ~ $400

Kabigon

I am planning on upgrading my sound system to a 5.1 or 7.1 (I'm not really sure of the difference) Surround Sound System and I need some help deciding.

I found a few great deals on NewEgg that I am thinking about piecing together a system from so let me know what you guys think and how it would compare to a pre-built system in the same price range.

Floorstanding Speakers x4 on sale for $49 Each:

Polk Audio R300's

Center Channel Speaker x1 on sale for $59:

Polk Audio CS1 Series II

Subwoofer x1 for $99

Polk Audio PSW Series PSW10 Cherry 10-inch Powered Subwoofer

Total Price for all of the speakers for this system is $350 Shipped.

Do I need a Receiver for these? I'm not sure how to set up surround sound exactly but the Sub has 4x hook-ups and one line-in that should take care of all 5 other speakers, right?

I have always used Polk Audio in my car systems which is why I am comfortable purchasing from Polk again. However, I am extremely new to home and computer audio as a whole so I need any help I can get so that I do not waste $400 for quality that I could have purchased for $200.

This system will be used, of course, for Gaming, Music, and Movies.

I would like to be able to hook my Computer, TV, and XBOX 360 all up to the system.

Thank You so much for the help!

HTguru1982

You will absolutely need a receiver. Look at Onkyo, Yamaha, Denon.

I would stay away from the R300's. They're decent for what they are but will you be left wanting more. I would recommend 3 pairs of the Monitor 40's: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882290203. Of course, you can always go with just 2 pairs of the M40's and the CS1 center if you want. I always prefer to keep all of my speakers matched, or at least the front 3.

Also, I would recommend the PSW110: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882290036. It's not spectacular by any means but will fare much better that the PSW10. The 10 doesn't have enough power and it bottoms out too easily.

TNHNDYMAN

I would also recommend looking at Polk direct on ebay. You can usually find some great buys there, sometimes better than newegg depending on shipping. YMMV

Kabigon

Thanks for the replies, guys. Right now, the only speakers I have are my regular tv speakers and monitor speakers so basically anything is going to sound like Heaven.

The biggest limitation on choices right now is my budget. I really can't afford to surpass $400 on the system.

That being said, what is the absolute BEST system I could purchase in that price range? Thank You so much.

HTguru1982

$400 for EVERYTHING will not be easy. Heck, a good receiver will cost that much. I suggest going the Craigslist route for most of your gear. You should be able to find a decent receiver and subwoofer for about $200 on CL. You can go with a pair of Monitor 30's and the CS1 center speaker from Newegg for now. As your budget allows, you can opt for larger front speakers later.

It is possible to put together a good system from CL if you shop right.

Theheadsn

Bestbuy has the Pioneer 1120k for I think a little over 500. Pretty kick **** receiver, wish I had one, but I have the 1020k lol still a good one but no pre-amps.

Kabigon

Unfortunately, I live in a small area so CL is basically useless for me.

I would have to get something from a vendor, ebay, or something along those lines.

So, if I bought those speakers for $350 and bought a decent, used receiver for $100-$150, it still wouldn't be a nice system?

It will be going in my bedroom which is something like 11' L x 11' W x 7' H so it is a fairly small room.

I mean there are 5.1 pre-build systems in the same price range, but they have much smaller speakers and no receiver.

Kabigon

I've seen a lot of mention of Onkyo equipment on here. How would something like this be in comparison? They are on sale for $219 and $269 plus I have a $40 Coupon to use, as well.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4829158&sku=O22-1130

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4829159&sku=O22-1132

punk-roc

one of the polk surroundbars might make more sense for that price range.. the 3000 doesn't need a receiver, just plug it into the wall... and i think its costs $350 retail

Jason

Kabigon

I would definitely rather have an actual system. Thanks, though.

punk-roc

then the smart recommendation is to save some more money and do it right once..

Jason

Kabigon

Saving more money is also not an option. I only have the spare money due to tax returns and selling a few items from my computer. I have around $400 to spend and that is honestly as high as I can go.

I currently have no speakers at the moment so this is a necessity.

The best I have seen so far for my price range (and I've read a lot of reviews) are the Onkyo's that I linked above.

The SKSHT540's have excellent reviews and I can get them for $169 which includes the Sub, Center Speaker, 2x Front Speakers, and 4x Surround Speakers.

All I have to do is add a decent receiver to that for $200-$250 and I should be set.

What would be the best receiver in that price range?

larry777

Videogon has a Denon AVR-888 listed for $250. Its a VG Receiver for that price at 100 Watts per channel. They also have others in your price range.

Upstatemax

http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-RM705-Theater-System/dp/B000WGJX5A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1296654258&sr=8-1

Friend of mine is looking at these. Great little system for the money.

Don't get too caught up in 7.1 vs 5.1... very few sources are even 7.1 and unless a 7.1 system is set up perfectly, it will not sound any better than a 5.1.

Kabigon

Well, I figured for a mostly gaming/movie oriented system that the 7.1 would be better overall, but I could definitely be wrong.

Would a higher quality 5.1 system be better than the Onkyo 7.1 system I am looking at?

I would love to go with Polk and the Monitor floor standing speakers are beautiful, I just can't find a way to fit them into my budget. The R300's sold out on NewEgg but I can still get the CS1 Central Channel Speaker if it is a good buy for $59.

I've been up all night reading reviews and searching for systems and I'm no closer now than when I began. lol

Is there any way to look at the specs and such of a system or speaker and tell whether or not it is good? Or do I just absolutely have to read through 800 reviews on it before I can get a clear picture?

mrbiron

TL1600 system + onkyo 606 off of ebay will bring you to around $500. $400 is a tough number to achieve especially with needing a receiver. Spend a couple extra clams....cut fast food for a month and invest the savings into your budget.

coolsax

If you can go an extra hundred dollars and don't mind sattelites for now... new egg has this deal.. not polk, but it does get good reviews. and it includes a yammy receiver
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.592641&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL020111&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL020111-_-EMC-020111-Latest-_-Combo-_-Combo592641-LM1A

Kabigon

Alright, here are the three options I am considering:

1) Stick to my original plan and buy the Onkyo SKSHT-540 7.1 Speaker System with a 7.1 Pioneer or Onkya Receiver.

1) Buy a nice complete 5.1 system with receiver.

2) Buy a 7.1 Receiver, 2x nice front speakers, 1x nice center speaker, 1x nice sub and purchase the other 4 surround speakers when I have some extra money. (If I have some extra money. lol (I am a college student so it is definitely far from plentiful.)

What do you guys think?

cnh

BE patient and go with Option 3. Get a nice AVR, a couple of M50s and CS1 from newegg when they're on EXTREME discount. And look for the PSW505 when it hits 200 dollars.

You can probably also just wait for M40s at 129 a pair and just the sub for 329. Then get a decent AVR--in your price range. Then add the CS1 or CS2 center, and some M30s as surround (89 a pair) when you can!

In other words go with the AVR and two M40s. Then add a sub, then the surrounds as you can afford them.

Look for some used AVRs or refurbs on Harman Kardon's ebay site or Club Onkyo or accessories4less.com, etc.

cnh

cascius

Like cnh mentioned: option 3 is the way to go.

I've followed that step myself and I'm extremely satisfied with the results. What i'd recommend is to buy the CS2 center and a pair of M40s. That should run you for $230 total when they're on sale on Newegg. Find yourself a descent Amp to go with it, and you will have a very descent system to get you started.

Then, down the line add a sub (psw505 is the one everybody recommends and only cost $200 on sale)
then finally get a pair of M60s or M70s. (M70s are the ones recommended, and go for $370 a pair on Newegg.)

What's important is that you build a system that will be both functional/enjoyable from the very beginning but also that will nicely upgrade.
Your M40s will do a good job as front speakers to get you started. When you get a new set (M70s), just move the M40s as surround.

Finally, it's best to timber match all the speakers (or at the very least the front stage), so try to avoid mixing different brand/quality of speakers.

Hope this helps,

- Cascius

larry777

Option 3 for sure, as you will end up with a better system in the end.

Kabigon

Thank You guys so much for the help. I truly appreciate it. This has been a difficult week of audio prospecting. lol

So, in your honest opinion in this Polk Route you guys have laid out the best option for the price range? I'm thinking it definitely is, but I just want to be sure there isn't another brand or something that would serve me better.

My biggest choice now is Cherry vs. Black. lol I really like the Cherry/black speakers but I'm not sure how nice they look in person. My furniture is mostly black so I figured it would be nice to have a bit of variance with the wood.

So, this is the best possible setup in the price range?

Pioneer/Yamaha 7.1 Receiver (not sure on this....definitely need opinions on the best budget receiver)

2x Polk Monitor 60's or 70's (Is there a large difference between the 50's, 60's, and 70's?)

1x Polk CS2 Center Speaker (Need some help here. Polk has around 4-5 models of center speakers listed on NewEgg. What makes the CS2 the best?)

1x Polk PSW505 Subwoofer (Does this come in Cherry or only Black? It is only $229 Shipped on NewEgg right now.)

4x Polk Monitor 40 Bookshelf Speakers

How does that look?

If I can find them at the prices you guys suggested, that should be around $900-$1000 which is wayyyy above my budget. lol That could take a long while.

HTguru1982

I would recommend the Monitor 50's or 60's instead on the 70's. You will need more power from a budget receiver to make them sound their best. The CS2 over the CS1 is also a good idea. It may not seem like much on paper, but those larger mid range drivers will make a big difference in dialog clarity. I haven't been in the market for a new receiver for quite a while so others will be able to help you on that front. Good luck.

cascius

Agreed with HTGuru1982 on the CS2 over the CS1, this seems to be the commonly accepted practice.

I haven't compared the M70s to the M60/50s but I have to say that I'm very happy with the way they sound even though I have a crapy receiver. Down the line I will upgrade that receiver and I'm sure I won't regret choosing the M70s.

Is Polk the best way to go? I can't answer as I haven't compared another set of speakers in the same price range. What I can tell you though is that every friend that has heard them wants them. heck, even my girlfriend is very happy with my choice.

Finally, i can tell you that just getting 2x M40s and 1 CS2 will be much better than an Onkyo HTIB. I first got the HTIB and then upgraded to those speakers and the difference was amazing. So my 2c: don't waste money in a HTIB. Surround speakers aren't important at all to get you started. My best advice would be either:
- 2x M40s and 1 CS2
- 2x M40s and 1 PSW505

Good luck,

- Cascius

Kabigon

Thanks a lot for the replies guys, I appreciate it so much.

I am going to go the Polk route. I have loved their equipment in my car for 5 or 6 years so it's time I try it in my home as well.

My main question is what looks better between the Cherry Finish and Black Finish? For the PSW505, it only comes in Black, right? It's not a big deal as I can get the rest in Cherry if I go that route. I just want to make sure it looks rich and high quality instead of like cheap wood.

Does anyone know where the cheapest place is to get the M40's, CS2, and PSW505? I don't have anything against Refurbs or Used equipment as long as it is in great condition. I'll probably try to go ahead and snag all three of those plus a decent Receiver. What would be a great receiver to pair with these?

My last question is what is the difference between the CS2 and CS20 Center Speakers? NewEgg has both with the 20 being $20 more expensive. The same is true for the CS1 and CS10. I don't see much of a difference in the specs.

Thanks!

shawn474

I am going to get absolutely flamed for this, but with your price range I think the HTIB is the way to go. I have 2 friends who have recently purchased Yamaha HTIB's and surprisingly for their usage, it sounds OK and they are happy with them. I personally could never go that route, but $400 is a hard budget to stick y. The upgrade bug is going to bite you hard!!!!!

Anyways, take it for what it's worth, but it might make the most sense. Heres one I ran across today:
http://www.electronics-expo.com/make-a-store/item/YAMYHT393BL/Yamaha/YHT393BL/1.html

Also, look into going used. Some people are put off by used gear, but I have found in my time in the hobby it makes much more sense as long as you know what you are getting (used trusted sellers). I have been fortunate enough to trade. sell and buy more gear than I could have ever imagined. It has given me the opportunity to try some gear that I wouldn't have been able to afford new.

Just some food for thought.

Kabigon

As I mentioned earlier, I have nothing against used or refurb gear as long as it's in great shape. There is definitely a lot of money to be saved going that route. Are there any places that notoriously sell used Polk gear? I can't really find any good deals on any of these particular speakers.

The HTIB are certainly the biggest value, I would think. However, my choice really depends on how significant the difference would be. What I mean is will the sound quality difference between the Onkyo's and Polk's warrant the $400-$500 difference in price? Or, is there a different brand of HTIB that would be even better in the $400-$600 range.

I have no problem upgrading gradually, but ONLY if it is worth it. If the difference in quality is barely noticeable and costs me $500 extra, I would be extremely disappointed. However, if $500 extra makes a day and night type of difference, then why not.

I can expand my budget a bit which would allow me to get the Receiver, PSW505, CS2, and 2x M40's. This wouldn't be surround sound, of course, but hopefully I can upgrade before long. That would just leave me 2x M60's or M70's to buy for the front to finish it and I can move the M40's to the rear. After that, I can buy 2x more M40's for a complete 7.1 system.

My question, once again, is are those my best options in the price range. For $800-$1,000 total, many more options are opened up than there were in the $400-$500 budget. I just want to make sure I am getting the most for my money. If the Onkyo system for $400 is going to be comparable to these systems for $800+ or if there is a different HTIB for $600 instead of paying $1,000 to piece a system together, there's really no point in spending the extra. I just don't want to end up paying hundreds of dollars for a better brand name and similar quality.

Thanks!

HTguru1982

When I got started in this hobby, I went through a ton of HTIB systems and felt that every one of them was lacking. I suppose there are some decent ones out there but they are few and far between.

The Polk system you mentioned is definitely the best way to go for now. You could get better gear at that price but only if you buy used. And sometimes it's a gamble when you buy used because you never know when/if it's going to break down. With new, at you least you know you have a warranty if something goes wrong.

EDIT:

I just found this for $267 with free shipping. While it may not be as dynamic as the Polks, it should definitely hold you over until you can afford something better.

http://www.onecall.com/product/Infinity/TSS-500-Charcoal/Home-Theater-System/_/R-34037

Also, this Onkyo receiver for $189.

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKTXSR508/Onkyo/TX-SR508-7.1-Channel-3-D-Ready-Home-Theater-Receiver/1.html

For the price, it will definitely be a great starter system.

ben62670

HTIB isn't such a great deal when you factor in the fact that they suck. Go for the 5.1 for now and get the best receiver in your budget.

Almadacr

Like was said before don`t buy something that you will regret in the future , most of PPL who buy a HTIB they don`t have a idea what they are missing and they just want more then what a tv speaker can give . Patience and time are your best friend you already made some good choices regarding the polk set up with fronts , center and sub , then you have several choices regarding a A/V receiver ( Its not only about connecting your speakers its also what gear are you connecting to you receiver .EX: BR , 360 ,PS3 Cable/satellite ) . My advise is build your system with time even if you have to get some extra money in a part-time job but don`t do anything that you will regret in the future .

EDUBAG

I would recommend,

monitor 40 as front speakers, the csi1 or 2 (depending on your room size), a psw505 and a used receiver, then whenever you get an extra hundred bucks you add a pair of monitor 30s as surrounds.

But trust me when i tell you that even a pair of speakers through a receiver will sound so much better than your tv speakers.

Here is the prices broken down from polk direct ebay store

monitor 40 99-109 (aprox)
csi1, around 70 bucks
the psw 505 225 at newegg, maybe get a psw110 used for around a hundred.
Used receiver (whatever is left in your budget)

sometimes is better to get the best quality that you can afford and keep putting together the system.

Another option would be to buy a pair of monitor 70 and a stereo receiver and forget about everything else for a while, trust me you will like the sound and the bass they produce.

Good luck