First Home Theater Setup - What do you think?
Hi - After using my 7.1 Onkyo HTIB system I purchased 8 years ago, I have decided to step it up and set up my first Polk Audio Home Theater. This will be in a living room (approx 20 X 16). I will be using the Onkyo TX-NR616 to drive this 5.2 setup. This will primarily be for HD Sports, Movies and rarely Music.
I have the following on order from Newegg:
Polk Audio Monitor70 Series II Floorstanding Loudspeaker (Fronts - $350)
Polk Audio New Monitor 25C Two-Way Center Channel Loudspeaker (Center - $99)
Polk Audio Monitor40 Series II Two-Way Bookshelf Loudspeaker (Rear - $120)
Polk Audio PSW110 10-Inch Powered Subwoofer (Sub - $250)
I just wanted to know the thoughts of the members here on whether this is a good setup?
Also, I got the 25C instead of the CS2 for my center. Is that going to be an issue?
I am new, so any help, comments, advice, feedback would be appreciated! Can't wait to get my hands on these.
I have the following on order from Newegg:
Polk Audio Monitor70 Series II Floorstanding Loudspeaker (Fronts - $350)
Polk Audio New Monitor 25C Two-Way Center Channel Loudspeaker (Center - $99)
Polk Audio Monitor40 Series II Two-Way Bookshelf Loudspeaker (Rear - $120)
Polk Audio PSW110 10-Inch Powered Subwoofer (Sub - $250)
I just wanted to know the thoughts of the members here on whether this is a good setup?
Also, I got the 25C instead of the CS2 for my center. Is that going to be an issue?
I am new, so any help, comments, advice, feedback would be appreciated! Can't wait to get my hands on these.
Post edited by reelss on
Comments
-
I would suggest looking for a more capable sub. Something like a Polk 505 or BIC F12? as well as many internet direct companies HSU is a good example. Do some more research into the subs and I think you'll be happier long term. Not sure of the tweeter in the 25C tweeter and if it would be timbre matched to the rest of the monitor series. If you try it and are not satisfied, Newegg is usually easy to deal with on returns.
I have a CS2 that may be for sale in the near future (black) for around $70+ shipping.
You should be happy with the HT setup when you get everything up and running. It's a nice system that will do well for movies..2-ch System: Parasound P/LD 2000 pre, Parasound HCA-1000 amp, Parasound T/DQ Tuner, Phase Technology PC-100 Tower speakers, Technics SL-1600 Turntable, Denon 2910 SACD/CD player, Peachtree DAC iT and X1asynchorus USB converter, HSU VTF-3 subwoofer. -
For sports and movies, the Monitors are a fantastic bargain. I had a full set of them for years and if I wasn't looking for more in the music department I probably would have kept them for a long time. I'd second the recommendation for a beefier sub. You'll be happy with the one you have for a while, but it's the only thing I see that will really hold your system back. I had a PSW10 for years and once I got my HSU I wondered why I had waited so long to upgrade!
I'm sure you'll be fine with the center channel as I was with the CS1 but the bigger one would likely be a worthwhile improvement for not a lot of $$$Display: LG 47" LCD | AVR: Marantz SR5005 | BD: Panasonic BDT-210 | CD/SACD: Oppo 980 |
Amps: Rotel RB-990bx | Marantz MA-500 | Speakers: Totem Mite : Totem Mite-C : RC60i | Sub: HSU VTF-2 MKIV
HK AVR635 | Polk R30 | Sony DVD/SACD Player -
For sports and movies, the Monitors are a fantastic bargain. I had a full set of them for years and if I wasn't looking for more in the music department I probably would have kept them for a long time. I'd second the recommendation for a beefier sub. You'll be happy with the one you have for a while, but it's the only thing I see that will really hold your system back. I had a PSW10 for years and once I got my HSU I wondered why I had waited so long to upgrade!
I'm sure you'll be fine with the center channel as I was with the CS1 but the bigger one would likely be a worthwhile improvement for not a lot of $$$
I got the PSW110 (not the PSW10) for quite a bargain ($125 each). Are the BICs or HSUs that much better?
For the center, did you mean something bigger than the 25c? -
I got the PSW110 (not the PSW10) for quite a bargain ($125 each). Are the BICs or HSUs that much better?
For the center, did you mean something bigger than the 25c?
Whoops, didn't realize the 25C was the bigger of the two options. You should be fine there. If the CS2 is cheaper I'd go that route. I doubt the "new" monitor 25C with sound any different than the Monitor 70s but the CS2 would match aesthetically.
Without any intent to offend, I did laugh a little when I read your first sentence. The HSUs are THAT much better. However, if it fits your budget and you're happy with it then you made the right choice. If you lived close to me I'd be happy to show you the difference between a $100 Polk sub and a $600 HSU. You'd laugh too :-)Display: LG 47" LCD | AVR: Marantz SR5005 | BD: Panasonic BDT-210 | CD/SACD: Oppo 980 |
Amps: Rotel RB-990bx | Marantz MA-500 | Speakers: Totem Mite : Totem Mite-C : RC60i | Sub: HSU VTF-2 MKIV
HK AVR635 | Polk R30 | Sony DVD/SACD Player -
Whoops, didn't realize the 25C was the bigger of the two options. You should be fine there. If the CS2 is cheaper I'd go that route. I doubt the "new" monitor 25C with sound any different than the Monitor 70s but the CS2 would match aesthetically.
Without any intent to offend, I did laugh a little when I read your first sentence. The HSUs are THAT much better. However, if it fits your budget and you're happy with it then you made the right choice. If you lived close to me I'd be happy to show you the difference between a $100 Polk sub and a $600 HSU. You'd laugh too :-)
25c after rebates ended up costing the same as CS2.
No offense taken. Someone else recommended the HSUs as well. I'll consider upgrading once I have some money saved up. -
I'll agree, get a better sub. Also agree, the 25C is stated by Polk to timbre match the Monitors.
That's a very nice set up you've go coming. It's the AVR that may be the weak link. After awhile, you'll find that the M70's love the power. Eventually, you'll want to experiment with feeding them. An AVR with pre-outs is recommended.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 -
I'll agree, get a better sub. Also agree, the 25C is stated by Polk to timbre match the Monitors.
That's a very nice set up you've go coming. It's the AVR that may be the weak link. After awhile, you'll find that the M70's love the power. Eventually, you'll want to experiment with feeding them. An AVR with pre-outs is recommended.
Any avr recommendations i should keep my eye on?
I do eventually want to go to a 7.2 setup, but I just don't have the room for it now. -
Any avr recommendations i should keep my eye on?
I do eventually want to go to a 7.2 setup, but I just don't have the room for it now.
You could take a look at http://www.accessories4less.com/ There's great deals to be had there. A ton of members shop there.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 -
What is your budget for the AVR? Chances are there's a better choice in the price range than the Onkyo.
Also, HSU is not the only option for better subs. SVS, PSA, and Epik are a few others. Most of these companies have great customer service and are happy to answer questions when you call.Display: LG 47" LCD | AVR: Marantz SR5005 | BD: Panasonic BDT-210 | CD/SACD: Oppo 980 |
Amps: Rotel RB-990bx | Marantz MA-500 | Speakers: Totem Mite : Totem Mite-C : RC60i | Sub: HSU VTF-2 MKIV
HK AVR635 | Polk R30 | Sony DVD/SACD Player -
What is your budget for the AVR? Chances are there's a better choice in the price range than the Onkyo.
Also, HSU is not the only option for better subs. SVS, PSA, and Epik are a few others. Most of these companies have great customer service and are happy to answer questions when you call.
Judging from the thread over at AVS, Epik is pretty much out of business and a lot of members have been trying to get support for their current items.
I would strongly recommend looking for used local deals as a good alternative. Avoid shipping costs and get a quality product at used prices. Pretty much all the subs I have owned have been purchased second hand.2Ch Tube Audio Convert -
I'll take a look at what's available locally for sub woofers. Don't like paying shipping either.
I already have the Onkyo AVR, so its not a new investment. If there's a better receiver that can be had for $300-400, I can consider selling this for it.
