Which Speakers and Sub?

matts22

I just moved to a new loft style apartment (concrete floor and vaulted ceiling from 25-30 feet) and I'm in the process of putting together a new home theater. I have a receiver (JVC RX-D702B) that I kept from my old setup and I recently bought a 1080p projector as well. Below the screen, I've got 3 black TV stands lining the wall with AV equipment. Now I just need speakers and a subwoofer, and I'd really appreciate some recommendations!

I'd like to take advantage of newegg's sale on the Polk Monitor Series II speakers to make a 5.1 system with either the PSW110 or PSW505 sub. I have a lot of room for a center channel speaker (CS1 or CS2) and I could either put bookshelf speakers on the black cabinets under the projector screen, put bookshelf speakers on stands to the side of the cabinets, or put floor standing speakers to the side of the cabinets. For the rears, I'll probably wall mount a set of Monitor 30's unless you talk me out of it.

I've been reading reviews of all the speakers and I'd just like some input on my particular setup. Specifically, should my current receiver and living situation influence my decision on particular speakers and subwoofer? I've got neighbors on either side of me (just sheetrock walls without great insulation), but the floor is concrete and ceiling is really tall and all wood. I want a good sounding system for the money, but I don't want to annoy the neighbors and will probably keep it at a low to mid volume level.

Thanks for the help!

Ronster267

I bought a PSW 505 last month and was so impressed with it, I bought a pair of Monitor 70's to replace my front left and right main's. Words can't describe what an upgrade it was. The 505 is an absolute BEAST! The Monitor 70's are very strong, efficient and clear. I also just ordered a CS20 center (was going to get the CS2, but I can get the CS20 quicker). It is essentially the same speaker as the CS2, but with a slightly smaller cabinet. That packsge your looking at is hands down the best for the money available in my humble opinion. I replaced an older BOSE package that I owned for about 15 years. I drive all my speakers with a Pioneer TSX-1016K, and it seems to have enough power to keep the Polk's happy. My next upgrade will be either the Pioneer 1121K or Onkyo 809. This is an expensive habit!

carter71

I got my PSW505 on Friday, and it is very impressive. I had to go without a sub for years because I also lived in an apartment, so you'll have to take that into consideration. I didn't really push it at all, with it being new, and I could really feel the bass. This sub would definitely annoy apartment neighbors.

I had a hard time deciding which center to get, but the consensus on the forum seem to be for the CS2, so that's what I went with. Over half of a movie's soundtrack can come from the center, including almost all the dialog, so it may well be the most important speaker in your setup. I am planning to get a pair of 60's for the fronts (or maybe 70's) and probably 40's for the surrounds. I was also planning to get a pair of 30's for back surrounds, but after looking through by blu-ray collection, I've decided to go 5.1 for now. Even most of my new titles are 5.1 and very few are 7.1.

larry777

I would get the PSW 505 for the sub. You can control the volume, and you will have the better sub when you move out someday. Get the best Monitor speakers you can afford while you are at it. Then sit back and enjoy.