DCM Time Window 1A or match Polk R50s or Monitor 70s

lendon
lendon Posts: 30
edited July 2015 in Speakers
Hello everyone. Looking for some input.

Right now I have a Yamaha RX-V475 receiver powering two Polk R50s for the fronts with some crappy KLH for rear and center channels.

First option I am thinking replacing the fronts for something better like a matched set with a matching center channel and putting the R50s for the rear channels.

My second option is two more R50s with matching center so I have 4 R50s and the matching center for a true matched set.

Option three is getting some DCM Time Window 1As for the rear speakers and keeping the R50s up front along with grabbing a matching Polk center. I am just worried the DCMs are better then the R50s and what can I match as a center to them for fronts moving the Polks to the rears.

Last option would be some Monitor 70s for the fronts with a matching center, not sure how much of an improvement the 70s are over the R50s though.

I would like to add that I do listen to music about 25% of the time, the other 75% I would be watching movies if that makes any difference. Price is $200 on any of the routes I decide to go picking up these items in excellent shape on CL.
Post edited by lendon on
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Comments

  • leftwinger57
    leftwinger57 Posts: 2,917
    From my limited knowledge of DCM I would not use TW 1a as surround fronts. they are terrific 2 channel speakers. I own the lower series of Time Frame 350s and even those are impressive but most say the TF 600s are the sweet spot. If you have to have a surround try to get DCM Soundscapes and a center and rears you could fill in as you go. You would need a better avr w/ pre=outs if you went all the way. her's a listing that's been up for months now that might interest you.

    http://cnj.craigslist.org/ele/5098273453.html
    2chl- Adcom GFA- 555-Onkyo P-3150v pre/amp- JVC-QL-A200 tt- Denon 1940 ci cdp- Adcom GFS-6 -Modded '87 SDA 2Bs - Dynamat Ext.- BH-5- X-Overs VR-3, RDO-194 tweeters, Larry's Rings, Speakon/Neutrik I/C- Cherry stain tops Advent Maestros,Ohm model E

    H/T- Toshiba au40" flat- Yamaha RX- V665 avr- YSD-11 Dock- I-Pod- Klipsch #400HD Speaker set-

    Bdrm- Nikko 6065 receiver- JBL -G-200s--Pioneer 305 headphones--Sony CE375-5 disc
  • lendon
    lendon Posts: 30
    Thanks leftwinger57 for the reply. I figured the DCMs might be for a 2 channel setup and I am sure they sound wonderful for music and better then my current R50s.
  • lendon
    lendon Posts: 30
    edited July 2015
    Just saw a pair of Time Frame 400s and another pair of 600s online for sale in my area, they look sweet.
    Post edited by lendon on
  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,998
    So go get them and tell us what you think.

    Personally, since you said 75% of this is for movies, I think the Monitor 70's is the better bet.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
  • lendon
    lendon Posts: 30
    tonyb wrote: »
    So go get them and tell us what you think.

    Personally, since you said 75% of this is for movies, I think the Monitor 70's is the better bet.

    I am tending to sway in that direction. As much as I want to try the speakers out because of the good things I heard about DCM speakers I just don't think they will be perfect for me and what I plan on doing with them. Those old DCMs from the hours of my researching online don't seem to be home theater speakers but more 2 channel set up speakers for music listening. Guess I will look at some Polks, found some R50s, Monitor 70 series 1 and 2, Monitor 50 and some RT series so far on CL.
  • Jimbo18
    Jimbo18 Posts: 2,336
    I have never owned them, but from what I have read on here, the Monitor 70's like more power than your Yamaha AVR will provide.
  • Jimbo18
    Jimbo18 Posts: 2,336
    DSkip wrote: »
    Polk RT series for the win. RT55's or RT800's would be a big step up and not strain the amp.

    Agree, Skip. My AVR is a similar model to the OP's and it runs my RT800's alright for HT.

  • lendon
    lendon Posts: 30
    Okay so cross the Monitor 70s off. I have found a few pairs of R50s on CL. Just came across a pair of RTi70 speakers for $200, not sure if that is a good deal or not.
  • lendon
    lendon Posts: 30
    Appreciate the advice also. Thanks!
  • lendon
    lendon Posts: 30
    edited July 2015
    Came across this review where a guy said he is using this avr to power some Monitor 70 series 2 speakers. http://www.newegg.com/Product/SingleProductReview.aspx?ReviewID=4176789
  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,998
    It's not an amp, it's a receiver. You'll be fine with M70'S.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
  • leftwinger57
    leftwinger57 Posts: 2,917
    Another thing about DCM either Time frames or Time windows if not recently re foamed or re socked your in for a sh&t load of work that you might not be up for. There are some more knowledgeable people over on AK who have taken apart both series and it's a night mare. 1st the socks can't be reused then there is some kind of hairy liner that's a real pain and then once you get to your speakers have fun. Thankfully both my 350s were re socked and re foamed and paid $160 for that reason. Buyer beware. They are 30 some odd years old and some really sound and look like it.
    2chl- Adcom GFA- 555-Onkyo P-3150v pre/amp- JVC-QL-A200 tt- Denon 1940 ci cdp- Adcom GFS-6 -Modded '87 SDA 2Bs - Dynamat Ext.- BH-5- X-Overs VR-3, RDO-194 tweeters, Larry's Rings, Speakon/Neutrik I/C- Cherry stain tops Advent Maestros,Ohm model E

    H/T- Toshiba au40" flat- Yamaha RX- V665 avr- YSD-11 Dock- I-Pod- Klipsch #400HD Speaker set-

    Bdrm- Nikko 6065 receiver- JBL -G-200s--Pioneer 305 headphones--Sony CE375-5 disc
  • lendon
    lendon Posts: 30
    I found a pair of RTi70s and was wondering how they compared to R50s, searching the internet didn't bring up too much.
  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,998
    Miles better than the R50.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
  • lendon
    lendon Posts: 30
    Thanks Tony. Will try and grab those over the weekend then find the matching center channel and a decent sub.
  • lendon
    lendon Posts: 30
    They are no longer available, damn! I did come across some RT800s which I assume are older and not as good as the RTi70s but it does have a matching center and sub with it. R50s are probably better then the RT800s I am guessing.
  • lendon
    lendon Posts: 30
    The RT800s are better then the RTi70s? I thought the RTi series is better then the RT just like the RTiA is better then RTi? Now I am really confused, haha. I really appreciate the help and insight. Getting something today hopefully, I am itching for some better sound in surround!
  • lendon
    lendon Posts: 30
    I just ran across a set of Klipsch RF5 speakers, they look mint and just a little over my budget. I also am not sure if my avr can power them.
  • txcoastal1
    txcoastal1 Posts: 13,318
    lendon wrote: »
    I just ran across a set of Klipsch RF5 speakers, they look mint and just a little over my budget. I also am not sure if my avr can power them.
    With no problems
    2-channel: Modwright KWI-200 Integrated, Dynaudio C1-II Signatures
    Desktop rig: LSi7, Polk 110sub, Dayens Ampino amp, W4S DAC/pre, Sonos, JRiver
    Gear on standby: Melody 101 tube pre, Unison Research Simply Italy Integrated
    Gone to new homes: (Matt Polk's)Threshold Stasis SA12e monoblocks, Pass XA30.5 amp, Usher MD2 speakers, Dynaudio C4 platinum speakers, Modwright LS100 (voltz), Simaudio 780D DAC

    erat interfectorem cesar et **** dictatorem dicere a
  • Dabutcher
    Dabutcher Posts: 2,597
    M70 work great with a good Reciever . 90 watts or more per side. Newegg used to have them on sale all the time for 300 for two w FS. Great deal and a five year warranty. Polk referbs on eBay are another great option. Peace.
    MIT Magnum MH-750, Monster HTS 5100MKII, Sony 77" Class - A80CJ Series - 4K UHD OLED,PS4, Def Tech 15” sub,LSIM 706c, Sunfire Signature Grand 425 x 4,Parasound hca 120, LSiM 702 x 4, Oppo 103D, SDA SRS 1.2, Pioneer Elite SC63 , Pioneer Elite BDP-05 “Why did you get married if you wanted big speakers?”
  • lendon
    lendon Posts: 30
    Thanks guys. I am in Phoenix. The RF5s the guy is firm at $250 for the pair, kind of torn here which way to go either Klipsch RF5s or I can get the Polk RT800 with match center and subwoofer for $200. With the RT800 set up I could be done as I can put the R50s for the rears and have 5.1 surround. If I go with the RF5 I have to shell out like $300 for the matching center and maybe get a sub too. Hmmm, any opinions?
  • lendon
    lendon Posts: 30
    Could I just use the R50s for the rears? That center is a better match then the 300.
  • lendon
    lendon Posts: 30
    Thanks for the advice DSkip. What is your opinion on the RF5s? They seem to be better then all the speakers I mentioned. If you had to rate the RF5, RTi70, RT800 and R50s then where would you place them? Also would a CS400i being okay instead of the CS400 with the RT speakers? Thanks again!
  • lendon
    lendon Posts: 30
    I don't know what model the sub is either with the RT800s, would it be worth picking up if cheaply? Going to get the RT800s in a few hours for $100.
  • lendon
    lendon Posts: 30
    edited August 2015
    I just got the RT800s and am going to hook them up later. I am working on the CS400i which I found for $40. Going to see how these three with the R50s as rear speakers sound first, might not need a sub right away with the 4 towers. I am thinking of the layout like this would work perfectly and my living room is already set up as such. I really appreciate the help and advice and will report back when I have it set up.

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  • lendon
    lendon Posts: 30
    The one CS400 you sent me a link to has blue woofers and not grey, not sure what that means.
  • ken brydson
    ken brydson Posts: 8,779
    edited August 2015
    lendon wrote: »
    The one CS400 you sent me a link to has blue woofers and not grey, not sure what that means.

    400 has grey, 400i has blue. Not a ton of difference IMO. I wouldn't worry about it. Enjoy!
  • lendon
    lendon Posts: 30
    lendon wrote: »
    The one CS400 you sent me a link to has blue woofers and not grey, not sure what that means.

    400 has grey, 400i has blue. Not a ton of difference IMO. I wouldn't worry about it. Enjoy!

    So this one in the link is a CS400i? https://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/ele/5110415489.html
  • ken brydson
    ken brydson Posts: 8,779
    lendon wrote: »
    lendon wrote: »
    The one CS400 you sent me a link to has blue woofers and not grey, not sure what that means.

    400 has grey, 400i has blue. Not a ton of difference IMO. I wouldn't worry about it. Enjoy!

    So this one in the link is a CS400i? https://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/ele/5110415489.html

    Yup. Screamin' deal too.

  • lendon
    lendon Posts: 30
    Well I found one for $40 and another for $50 on the CS400i. I have the RT800s hooked up right now as a 2 channel setup and they sound very nice, the clarity is notches above the R50s. Going to setup the R50s in the rear today and try and obtain the CS400i tomorrow. :smiley: