Need help. First non-budget Polk setup

thedeatons
thedeatons Posts: 6
in Speakers
Hello all... I love Polks, always have. I have a nice pair of Signature Elite ES60 tower speakers in my Crutchfield cart. I plan to pair them with a 2 channel Yamaha R-N600A amplifier, and a Polk HTS12 subwoofer.

This setup is going in a decent sized living room with an open floorplan with line of sight to the kitchen/dining room.

The speakers will be alongside a wall mounted 77" Samsung OLED TV, with three 8' couches in front of the TV, in a U shape configuration.

We mainly watch movies, not much music. I really like a simple 2.1-channel setup, and I am partial to Yamaha amps.

1-What are your thoughts on this setup?

2-Would you choose a different speaker?

3-Any other thoughts?

Thank you!
James
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Comments

  • PSOVLSK
    PSOVLSK Posts: 5,207
    Sounds like you’re getting the brands that YOU like and that’s what’s important. If I had to make a recommendation, I’d say to look for a different sub. SVS is my pick, but there are many options. No benefit/need for the sub to match the speakers.

    Good luck and enjoy!
    Things work out best for those who make the best of the way things work out.-John Wooden
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  • PSOVLSK
    PSOVLSK Posts: 5,207
    edited November 2023
    Black Friday Sale

    https://www.svsound.com/collections/1000-pro-series-subwoofers

    This will be a better sub and it will cost you less.

    https://www.svsound.com/collections/2000-pro-series

    Spend a little more and put the HTS-12 to shame.

    Things work out best for those who make the best of the way things work out.-John Wooden
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  • Emlyn
    Emlyn Posts: 4,523
    edited November 2023
    Looks like it's shaping up to be a really nice system. The N600A receiver has a subwoofer output and a couple of optical inputs for digital audio sources so that's good.

    I would suggest also looking into a high end powered soundbar too for better centering and dispersion of the audio in that space. There is only one sweet spot for listening with a stereo pair of speakers.
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  • thedeatons
    thedeatons Posts: 6
    Tell me more about centering, and recommend a soundbar please. Does Polk make a good one?

    James

    Emlyn wrote: »
    Looks like it's shaping up to be a really nice system. The N600A receiver has a subwoofer output and a couple of optical inputs for digital audio sources so that's good.

    I would suggest also looking into a high end powered soundbar too for better centering and dispersion of the audio in that space. There is only one sweet spot for listening with a stereo pair of speakers.

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  • thedeatons
    thedeatons Posts: 6
    Which model of those 2000 series subs would you recommend? There are several on that page...

    James


    PSOVLSK wrote: »
    Black Friday Sale

    https://www.svsound.com/collections/1000-pro-series-subwoofers

    This will be a better sub and it will cost you less.

    https://www.svsound.com/collections/2000-pro-series

    Spend a little more and put the HTS-12 to shame.

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  • stangman67
    stangman67 Posts: 2,289
    For mainly movies and HT use, get the PB-2000 pro. Agree that a center channel is a good idea if you mainly want HT use. Might look at doing a 3.1 instead but that certainly does complicate things a bit
    2 Channel in my home attic/bar/man cave

    2 Channel Focal Kanta 3 I Modwright SWL9.0 Anniversary Pre I Modwright PH9.0X I Modwright KWA-150SE I VPI Prime Signature w/ Soundsmith Zephyr MIMC I Lumin U2 Mini I North Star Designs Intenso DAC I Audience OHNO ICs/Audience Furutech FP-S55N and FP-S032N Power Cables/Acoustic Zen Satori I Isotek Sirius
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  • rooftop59
    rooftop59 Posts: 8,121
    edited November 2023
    thedeatons wrote: »
    Tell me more about centering, and recommend a soundbar please. Does Polk make a good one?

    James

    Emlyn wrote: »
    Looks like it's shaping up to be a really nice system. The N600A receiver has a subwoofer output and a couple of optical inputs for digital audio sources so that's good.

    I would suggest also looking into a high end powered soundbar too for better centering and dispersion of the audio in that space. There is only one sweet spot for listening with a stereo pair of speakers.

    I actually disagree with needing a center channel. I have two main rigs, a nice (for me anyway) two-channel dual-purpose rig that prioritizes music listening, and an HT rig. In the 2 channel system, music does have sweet spot, but TV and movies? Almost never a problem. I can sit WAY off access and not have a problem following the dialogue. Now, the one caveat is that if I am going to watch an action or sci-fi flick, I'm going into the HT. So, I suppose it might on occasion be an issue, but pretty rarely.

    As for speakers, if you're getting a nice sub, I might aim a little higher with my speakers. Even with some solid stands, you'll still save a bit towards better sub.:

    https://www.crutchfield.com/p_107RSV200/Polk-Audio-Reserve-R200-Midnight-Black.html

    And in the pricerange of the SVS, this is pretty much your best value:

    https://hsuresearch.com/collections/collections-true-subwoofers-subset-collection/products/vtf-2-mk5-subwoofer

    I have owned an embarrassingly number of subs, and that HSU is the best bang for your buck in that price range.

    One other suggestion? No reason not to buy speakers used, especially if you in or near a large market. The deals are SO much better. for the price of those Signatures you could get a really nice pair of bookies. I got both my Dynaudio Contour 1.3 mkII and my Usher tiny dancers for about a grand each, and they destroy any bookies polk currently makes (including the Legend L200s). Speakers are passive, no reason not to go used IMHO...
    Living Room 2.2: Usher BE-718 "tiny dancers"; Dual DIY Dayton audio RSS210HF-4 Subs with Dayton SPA-250 amps; Arcam SA30; Musical Fidelity A308; Sony UBP-x1000es
    Game Room 5.1.4:     Denon AVR-X4200w; Sony UBP-x700; Definitive Technology Power Monitor 900 mains, CLR-3000 center, StudioMonitor 350 surrounds, ProMonitor 800 atmos x4; Sub - Monoprice Monolith 15in THX Ultra
    Bedroom 2.1     Harmon Kardon HK3490; Bluesounds Node N130; Polk RT25i; ACI Titan Subwoofer
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  • thedeatons
    thedeatons Posts: 6
    What differences would I notice going with a Bookshelf speaker compared to a tower? If I was going to do that wouldn't I go for a nicer Polk bookshelf speaker? (Surprised at the number of non-Polk suggestions from a Polk forum lol)

    James


    rooftop59 wrote: »
    thedeatons wrote: »
    Tell me more about centering, and recommend a soundbar please. Does Polk make a good one?


    James

    Emlyn wrote: »
    Looks like it's shaping up to be a really nice system. The N600A receiver has a subwoofer output and a couple of optical inputs for digital audio sources so that's good.

    I would suggest also looking into a high end powered soundbar too for better centering and dispersion of the audio in that space. There is only one sweet spot for listening with a stereo pair of speakers.

    I actually disagree with needing a center channel. I have two main rigs, a nice (for me anyway) two-channel dual-purpose rig that prioritizes music listening, and an HT rig. In the 2 channel system, music does have sweet spot, but TV and movies? Almost never a problem. I can sit WAY off access and not have a problem following the dialogue. Now, the one caveat is that if I am going to watch an action or sci-fi flick, I'm going into the HT. So, I suppose it might on occasion be an issue, but pretty rarely.

    As for speakers, if you're getting a nice sub, I might aim a little higher with my speakers. Even with some solid stands, you'll still save a bit towards better sub.:

    https://www.crutchfield.com/p_107RSV200/Polk-Audio-Reserve-R200-Midnight-Black.html

    And in the pricerange of the SVS, this is pretty much your best value:

    https://hsuresearch.com/collections/collections-true-subwoofers-subset-collection/products/vtf-2-mk5-subwoofer

    I have owned an embarrassingly number of subs, and that HSU is the best bang for your buck in that price range.

    One other suggestion? No reason not to buy speakers used, especially if you in or near a large market. The deals are SO much better. for the price of those Signatures you could get a really nice pair of bookies. I got both my Dynaudio Contour 1.3 mkII and my Usher tiny dancers for about a grand each, and they destroy any bookies polk currently makes (including the Legend L200s). Speakers are passive, no reason not to go used IMHO...

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  • PSOVLSK
    PSOVLSK Posts: 5,207
    thedeatons wrote: »
    Which model of those 2000 series subs would you recommend? There are several on that page...

    James


    PSOVLSK wrote: »
    Black Friday Sale

    https://www.svsound.com/collections/1000-pro-series-subwoofers

    This will be a better sub and it will cost you less.

    https://www.svsound.com/collections/2000-pro-series

    Spend a little more and put the HTS-12 to shame.
    Give SVS a call. Talk to them about your system and they’ll recommend the appropriate sub without trying to up-sale you.

    Also, I know the HSU that @rooftop59 recommended is highly regarded. And as he said, he’s had personal experience with several subs.

    Now that buying used speakers has been mentioned, I’ll go ahead and agree. I’ve bought several pair of used speakers with no issues. When you’re buying nicer speakers and equipment it’s usually been well taken care of. I personally like Usher as a great bang for the buck speaker. I have a pair of 6811 that are just awesome IMO. I have no idea on current pricing, but I’d think they’d be the $800-1000 range.

    Where are you located?
    Things work out best for those who make the best of the way things work out.-John Wooden
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  • thedeatons
    thedeatons Posts: 6
    Boise, ID
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  • PSOVLSK
    PSOVLSK Posts: 5,207
    edited November 2023
    thedeatons wrote: »
    Boise, ID

    Boise St. fan?

    Also, you may have already looked, but there’s an SVS PB1000 for $400 and a Monolith M-12 V2 for $725 on Boise Craigslist.
    Things work out best for those who make the best of the way things work out.-John Wooden
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,114
    edited November 2023
    thedeatons wrote: »
    (Surprised at the number of non-Polk suggestions from a Polk forum lol).

    This is when you know answers are genuine and not a fan boy based club where everyone pats their own back for parroting the same thing.

    Tom

    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • thedeatons
    thedeatons Posts: 6
    I don't do spectator sports so I'm impartial to teams... ride a lot of dirtbikes...

    I had not looked on Craigslist yet, thank you!

    James




    PSOVLSK wrote: »
    thedeatons wrote: »
    Boise, ID

    Boise St. fan?

    Also, you may have already looked, but there’s an SVS PB1000 for $400 and a Monolith M-12 V2 for $725 on Boise Craigslist.

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  • PSOVLSK
    PSOVLSK Posts: 5,207
    thedeatons wrote: »
    I don't do spectator sports so I'm impartial to teams... ride a lot of dirtbikes...

    I had not looked on Craigslist yet, thank you!

    James




    PSOVLSK wrote: »
    thedeatons wrote: »
    Boise, ID

    Boise St. fan?

    Also, you may have already looked, but there’s an SVS PB1000 for $400 and a Monolith M-12 V2 for $725 on Boise Craigslist.

    Maybe Paul @rooftop59 will chime in on the Monolith. I’m pretty sure he owns/owned one and speaks very highly of it, but I’m unsure of the model #.

    I thought being a Boise St fan was a requirement of living in Boise🤣🤣🤣
    Things work out best for those who make the best of the way things work out.-John Wooden
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  • rooftop59
    rooftop59 Posts: 8,121
    edited November 2023
    PSOVLSK wrote: »
    thedeatons wrote: »
    I don't do spectator sports so I'm impartial to teams... ride a lot of dirtbikes...

    I had not looked on Craigslist yet, thank you!

    James




    PSOVLSK wrote: »
    thedeatons wrote: »
    Boise, ID

    Boise St. fan?

    Also, you may have already looked, but there’s an SVS PB1000 for $400 and a Monolith M-12 V2 for $725 on Boise Craigslist.

    Maybe Paul @rooftop59 will chime in on the Monolith. I’m pretty sure he owns/owned one and speaks very highly of it, but I’m unsure of the model #.

    I thought being a Boise St fan was a requirement of living in Boise🤣🤣🤣

    I love my monoprice sub. It was a significant upgrade over the HSU VTF2.5, but it’s also a larger driver (15 v 12), and much larger cabinet. I’m not sure how the 12 inch monoprice would compare, but buying that without a warranty might give me pause.

    As for the floorstanders v monitors question, I really only ever owned monitors so I’ll probably not the one to ask, but - if all others things are equal, as in two speakers from the same line - generally I think the main things you lose with monitors are output, extension, and scale. Floorstanders will be louder, bassier, and bigger sounding. Monitors, conversely, sometimes have an advantage in imaging and midrange. Because they are not trying to cover the lowest octaves. Since you are adding a nice sub, I would go with the best monitors I could afford plus 1-2 subs.

    The R200 are a good step above the sig elite series. The l200s may or may not be much better, depends on who you ask. At that point you have to go beyond Polk…

    Wow here is a great deal. I would snag this up, use the rtia7s and flip what I didn’t want/need! This speakers will be a good step above what you are looking at, and are great HT speakers…

    https://boise.craigslist.org/ele/d/meridian-polk-audio-speakers-sunfire/7677912713.html

    Living Room 2.2: Usher BE-718 "tiny dancers"; Dual DIY Dayton audio RSS210HF-4 Subs with Dayton SPA-250 amps; Arcam SA30; Musical Fidelity A308; Sony UBP-x1000es
    Game Room 5.1.4:     Denon AVR-X4200w; Sony UBP-x700; Definitive Technology Power Monitor 900 mains, CLR-3000 center, StudioMonitor 350 surrounds, ProMonitor 800 atmos x4; Sub - Monoprice Monolith 15in THX Ultra
    Bedroom 2.1     Harmon Kardon HK3490; Bluesounds Node N130; Polk RT25i; ACI Titan Subwoofer
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  • rooftop59
    rooftop59 Posts: 8,121
    edited November 2023
    I have an all def tech HT, love it. These would be killer and you probably wouldn’t even need a sub!

    https://boise.craigslist.org/ele/d/definitive-technology-bp2000tl/7679712893.html

    @VR3, what say ye?
    Living Room 2.2: Usher BE-718 "tiny dancers"; Dual DIY Dayton audio RSS210HF-4 Subs with Dayton SPA-250 amps; Arcam SA30; Musical Fidelity A308; Sony UBP-x1000es
    Game Room 5.1.4:     Denon AVR-X4200w; Sony UBP-x700; Definitive Technology Power Monitor 900 mains, CLR-3000 center, StudioMonitor 350 surrounds, ProMonitor 800 atmos x4; Sub - Monoprice Monolith 15in THX Ultra
    Bedroom 2.1     Harmon Kardon HK3490; Bluesounds Node N130; Polk RT25i; ACI Titan Subwoofer
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,729
    800 stock in that condition, imo
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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