Have the BLackrockTL3 surround setup, want to upgrade the fronts.

Kentmick

I love the system but want to upgrade the fronts to LSiM703s. Will the TL3 Center channel timbre match these? The "Why do you want to upgrade?" is a good question. I think some is just being hooked on Polks now, wanting more range although the sub does a great job at blending in with the rest of the sound.

I would get a center too but it would involve having to get a new entertainment center. The bottom of the TV would be blocked and the depth is too big as well for the factory tv stand. Wall mounting isn't an option.

I read a lot of the tech in the TL3s was passed down from the LSiMs so I am hoping that it would timbre match. I don't have a choice with the satellites due to room.

I would love the 707s but I can't justify that kind of oomph in a 12x18 room and satellite surrounds.


Current setup
Blackrock TL3 surround setup
DSW 550
Denon 2312

I am happy to have every and any opinion on the matter. Thank you for your time and sorry if this has been covered. If anyone HAS this setup that'd be awesome for input!

Kentmick

Would an amp be needed for the 703s if I just bi-wired them since my receiver is 7.1 and my setup is only 5.1? I don't know anything about amps for HTs.

codyc1ark

DSkip- IIRC the TL3 uses the same tweeter as the LSi line? I might be wrong. I wouldn't be against recommending LSi7's if that we're the case since he only has an avr, at this point! If he likes that, maybe we can spend his money on an amp, avr, 15's, dac, huge tv.... The list goes on and on.... :evil:

Welcome to CP Kentmick, stick around!

leroyjr1

No it's a different tweeter.

codyc1ark

leroyjr1 wrote: »

No it's a different tweeter.

Hm... Am I completely wrong, but is there a Polk sat that does? I very well may be..:redface:

Kentmick

So the 1/4" tweeter size is a no go? What would be a cheap/quality amp for them?

D_M

Kentmick,

I was running Polk's RM6900 series speakers for a long time and was very happy. Everyone has their philosophy about good sound and I am no different. I believe that it is easier to achieve a well blended system when your surround drivers compliment the mains. With all that said, polks RM8000T/50TMain would be a better match for your system or the RM30s if you still need to place the speakers on a counter top. There is currently a set of both on e-bay for sale. No they are not mine, all of mine are that pewter color.

I paused for a second and checked the ebay ad again. The same person is aslo selling a RM302 center. Googling the speakers that I listed should bring up and old archival polk link so you can see the specs relative to your Blackstones. For the most part, all speakers benefit from amplification. I was running my setup on a Denon 4306, then a rotel 993, and after that a Sunfire Grand 200.
With each addition, the 8000Ts appeared to project a wider sound stage. I mentioned that only to indicate, that whatever you decide, adding an amp seems to rejuvenate most setups. Good luck!!

Kentmick

I took the dive and ordered two 703s...and a 704 for my center I will either put the original 3 in our bedroom or in our tiny exercise room. I will still be using two 350s for the surrounds.

For the record, the TL350s are incredible and I was happy with them. If you are taking a dive into a home theater or just don't want to deal with concerns of quality, the Blackrock TL350 set along with a nice sub will amaze you.

My reason for upgrading was the sterling reviews for the LSiMs and my enthusiasm for Polk. Also, speakers CAN be a lifetime investment or one that last decades, I don't regret investing in speakers because of this. Now on to finding a reasonably priced amp to add some juice to the front 3 (I don't know how much benefit the 350s will get as my Denon 2312 already gives them 105 watts out of 125, plus it might be cheaper this way, i don't know yet).


Thanks to everyone for all the input!

codyc1ark

Very nice, I had the 703s in house for awhile and liked them. What kind of stands will you be using? Lets start talking amps while we're at it! Congrats. :biggrin:

Kentmick

Thanks.

I ordered these http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001286F6M/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00

I don't have good "taste" but I like the look and they can easily handle those 30 lb bad boys.

Amp wise I have no idea, I am very new to all of this, but I think my ears are very perceptive to quality change. My denon 2312 is 105x7. I was thinking about hooking the rears up to the 703s since I only have a 5.1 but from what I read it seems you want to free up the receiver for other things and these specs are usually very inflated (right?). Technically this would be 10 watts over the speaker's 200 max...but from what I gather, receivers always supply less than what they state.

So the questions are: What is the right wattage for an amp to power these guys and still be a major upgrade over the receiver powering them? They have 2 sets of posts each. I guess my concern is: the receiver says 105, most amps in my price range only offer a little less than that. Would it still be an upgrade? Are amp specs more accurate than receiver specs? PS. My desired budget for an amp would be 500-700, i know that is low for a new quality amp. Finally, is using the rear channels to add some juice to the fronts really that bad of an idea? Does this really strain (add noise) to the overall sound? Edit: Just saw my receiver doesn't have preamp outputs. :frown: I should have researched more beforehand but I couldn't help diving in.

The 350s spoiled me with a short break in time in my opinion. I heard these guys can take awhile.

monepolk

Well congratulations on your purchase of the LSiMs.