Monitor Series Set-Up, Need A New Receiver?

bsisola

Hey all, this is my first time posting on Club Polk after doing a good amount of lurking!

A few months ago, I bought a budget HTIB system off Newegg because I wanted something better than my TV speakers, and I'm on a small budget due to being in college. I got the Onkyo HTS-3400 system, which worked alright but I ended up blowing the center speaker out by playing music. Instead of replacing the middle speaker, I decided to upgrade to Polk.

So over Christmas I upgraded to the CS1 for a center, Monitor 60's for L/R, and Monitor 30's for my surrounds. The Onkyo sub and receiver stayed. My question is, should I upgrade the receiver? I know the Polks can make a lot more sound than is being made from a small HTIB receiver. Do you guys have any suggestions?

Thanks!

Glowrdr

I would get this one http://www.amazon.com/Denon-AVR5308CI-Reference-Level-7-1-Channel-Multi-zone/dp/B000YPCJIM

If that doesn't work, whats your budget?

bsisola

Man, if I could afford that I would get it. But due to being a student, I'm limited. $300ish is really my max.

Glowrdr

With a budget like that (we've all been there) - the main thing you will want to look for would be preouts. This will allow you to add an amp down the road if you like the receiver itself, but need more power.

Keeping the cost down, I'd think about checking out the market here for a used receiver. Will you be needing HDMI? This is really the only difference between a new and used receiver. They are starting to pop up from time to time though with HDMI.

bsisola

HDMI would really be preferred. Right now I have my 2 HDMI in to the receiver (PS3, Cable box) and 1 out to my TV. I love the simplicity of it.

BoostedFC

This should work just fine...http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Pioneer+-+625W+5.1-Channel+A/V+Home+Theater+Receiver/1799057.p?id=1218292463634&skuId=1799057&st=1799057%201800045%201799109%201799145%202591124&cp=1&lp=1

Tankman

http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-RX-V667-7-2-Channel-Theater-Receiver/dp/B003P2V52M/ref=sr_1_6?s=aht&ie=UTF8&qid=1326459326&sr=1-6..This one is a good buy and lots of people use this unit as a Pre-amp too.It's going for $319.00 and free shipping.One of the better unit's with Pre-amp out's for a lil money.

chumlie

Quite a few nice choices in the for sale section here.

Thomasjclark45

Trust me I have been there, who hasn't. I have never trusted box systems, but for a dorm room I'm sure it worked fine. I see that some recomended the Pioneer 521, which seems to be ok. I would look on amazon,ebay or newegg before you go to bestbuy. I have found that both of these have great deals which can save hundreds on items. Leftovers and refurbs at discounts are better than paying full retail at a box store. I like Pioneer, in fact I almost bought one, but I went with an Onkyo instead. I was able to get a THX certified receiver with 7.2 for under $400. Onkyo 609. As far as the Pioneer 521 I would pass. It is only a 5.1 which is quickly becoming outdated. If your on a budget I would recomend the Onkyo HT-RC360. 7.1 100w system. Music with the 7.1 system sounds amazing. It also has the Marvell Qdeo upscalling which works amazing with non-hd input sources. My speakers are very close to what you have. I have the Monitor 70's for the front which are the next step up from the 60's and I have the Monitor 50's for the surronds which basically are the tower version of the Monitor 30's and I love them. Check this link out and see what you think.
http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-HT-RC360-7-2-Channel-Network-Receiver/dp/B004UR487U/ref=sr_1_9?s=aht&ie=UTF8&qid=1326466938&sr=1-9

rebuy

I think that the Onkyo might be fine for powering your speakers but you have to be careful with the volume. What is the power rating of the Onkyo and model number? If you turn it up to stoopid loud you can burn up more speakers, even Polks.

SolidSnake1988

I have a my MONITOR70 plugged into my yamaha Rx v671. Works great for me in a 3.1 setup sound awesome too.