upgrading from 5.1 to 7.1 What speakers to add?

1niteryder

I am upgrading my system. I have retired my 19 year old Yamaha receiver to my garage. Plan to add 2 speakers to complete the 7.1 system in the 21' by 13' Home theater room. The patio is a 2nd zone with 2 Bose 101 outdoor speakers. If possible add the master bedroom and attached garage with 2 speakers each.

The audio system's primary use is home theater and music. With the occasional sports and holiday party.

My existing system is follows;

1.) Receiver...........................Yamaha RX-V667 7.2 AV Receiver

2.) Main (front) Speakers........Polk Audio R50 Floor tower speakers

3.) Center Speaker..................Polk Audio CS101 Center speaker

4.) Surround Speakers.............Polk Audio TSi100 bookshelf speakers

5.) Sub-woofer;......................Polk Audio PSW50

My thoughts;
I wouldn't mind getting a new center speaker as it is fairly old, but it still works quite well. So that is not a priority at this point.
Also, I am contemplating new main (front) speakers and utilizing the R50's for the rear surrounds. However, I am not sure if the room layout will permit this.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for reading....

tonyb

You can do another set of TS1-100's if you want it all to match. Personally I prefer a dipole/bipole speaker back there like the FX series. Gives a wider surround field.

I'd also suggest the CS2 for your center. A polk 505 sub to replace the 50 too.

Be careful on what speaker you want to upgrade the fronts to if that's the route you take. Your receiver in 7 channel mode is probably only good for around 30-40 watts each channel. So stick with an 8 ohm speaker that isn't too big.

1niteryder

Thanks for the input. I will definitely check out the FX series for the rear. I was thinking of adding a 2nd sub and changing the center eventually. Thanks again.

ken brydson

1niteryder wrote: »

Thanks for the input. I will definitely check out the FX series for the rear. I was thinking of adding a 2nd sub and changing the center eventually. Thanks again.

Instead of a 2nd sub I'd suggest 1 more capable one to replace what you have...

1niteryder

thanks.. I guess I will shop for a new sub ..

trj

I use the same receiver but running RTi8s, CSi5 and RTi4s in 5.1 setup with a 12" subwoofer. In an apartment I don't go crazy on volume, I have never gone above -15db (displayed on yamaha) and I am fine with that.
Before going 7.1, I suggest you go with an external amplifier. Even a smaller one just to drive the surrounds. You know, the best thing about this receiver is, it has full 7 channel pre outs, plus does HDMI 1.4 and 3d. So, unless you are looking at atmos or 4k, this receiver will be more than enough with an addition of external amplification.

If you are going 7 channel, do try and match the timber on all 7. So, another set of TSi-100 or owm3 (if you have mounting issues). I personally am going with owm3 for front heights after I add an external amplifier. I don't want to blow the receiver nor the speaker by adding two more channels and starving the speakers of power.