Speaker Options for Movie Room

seru

Hello,

I would like some advice on my media room with respect to speaker selection. I have never owned a full 5.1 system but have recently bought a home and always wanted a dedicated room for movie watching. I have a media room on the second floor that is 20' x 17' with an 8' high ceiling. I have a BenQ W1070 projector coming in this week and I am beginning to construct my 126" screen with a blackout cloth.

My budget is what gives me the best bang for my buck considering I wouldn't know any better and I am not looking for that "bright" sound. I want it to be loud and for me to be able to hear clear dialogue. The following scenarios should show what price range I am looking at. But basically around $300.

Option A
Pair of Polk M20, Pair of Polk M10, CSM, and a Polk PSW10 for around $300. These seem to be an older set but the size of the drivers seem to indicate a good level of sound. I was also thinking of getting this and at a future date getting M70s for front L/R and moving M20s or M10s for a 7.1 system.

Option B
A pair of Polk Monitor M70s. About $300 with that Newegg special. These seem highly regarded and I would get a sub at a later time if they wouldn't give enough bass for movies.

Option C
An in-wall set of Polk for a 5.1 setup and possibly a PSW10. My media room is pre-wired in the ceiling for 5 speakers. I was also looking at a similar set from monoprice.

The receiver I am looking at is a Denon 1613 or 1713 or refurbed X1000. I haven't decided if its worth getting the latter two with Audessey Multeq XT but that's a different discussion.


What's my best option? Let me know if more information would be required.


Peter

seru

Anyone?

polkfarmboy

Here is what to do, get a csi5 $200 shipped RTI6 $190 shipped and a pair of fxi3 $200 shipped and your in for a real treat.

Short Fuse

The Monitor 70s along with a CS2 would get my vote if music is a priority. If movies are the focus then your Option A would fit the bill, although I would suggest Monitor 40s and a CS1 for up front. In either case a subwoofer will add greatly to filling out the sound. I was underwhelmed by the PSW10 and quickly replaced it with the PSW505.

pkrfan

I recommend monitor 60s for front, CS2 center, and OWM3 or monitor 30s for surround. On a budget you can get the PSW505 or a Dayton Sub-1200. That would be a good starter system.

rooftop59

I would go with a version of option C if this is primarily for movies and especially since you have never had a surround setup before. I would pick up 2 pairs of these: http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=108&cp_id=10837&cs_id=1083703&p_id=4104&seq=1&format=2 and then this: http://www.parts-express.com/dayton-audio-sub-1200-12-120-watt-powered-subwoofer--300-629 and then find a solid center channel on the used market or on sale at newegg, such as the CS2 or this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Polk-CS400-Center-Speaker-/291053766856?pt=Speakers_Subwoofers&hash=item43c42808c8 (although I would be weary of buying form that guy since he has no feedback). You will be very happy with that setup for the money, it will be mostly stealth, and basically at your budget or only about 25 bucks over. I have something similar and I really enjoy it!

Good luck!

tonyb

polkfarmboy wrote: »

Here is what to do, get a csi5 $200 shipped RTI6 $190 shipped and a pair of fxi3 $200 shipped and your in for a real treat.

I like this....over the man's budget though, but lets look at your budget. 300 bucks ? Isn't going to buy you the big sound to match the big screen. The psw10 subwoofer is no where near capable in that large a room. I would save some coin before jumping into this. Read up, do some research.....don't just buy stuff to buy stuff.

The rtia 5-6, or 7's would work well with a CSI-5 or higher center and a 505 subwoofer or better. Also consider your choice in receivers. You would want one with preouts to be able to add an amplifier down the road should you ever upgrade your speakers. No preouts means you are limited to the speakers you can use. Cost of cabling is also a consideration as there is many flavors and quality varies. I'd much rather see you do it right the first time than waste coin and be unsatisfied.

seru

Thanks for all the opinions. I think I am leaning towards option C with 'rooftop59's advice. I'll probably be movie in about a year and half and my next place probably be significantly smaller and not have a room like available. I'll go for the good enough solution for now and when I have settled somewhere for a bit longer I'll look at a more expensive solution.

erniejade

There is a nice setup in the forsale section here for $400.

fun_dador

Yup option c is the way to go for your budget...