6.1 or extra sub?

jarros

I was able to get an awesome deal on a Pioneer VSX-D912 receiver (paid $200CAD or about $150US for a very slightly used unit). I'm just setting it up with my Polk RM6005 5.1 satellites and my Hitachi 150W 10" sub. As I read through the manual for the receiver, I see that it is able to put out 6.1 surround sound (DTS ES and DD EX), but I also have the option of wiring that extra, 110W channel as a subwoofer.

The room is fairly large and open. The actual viewing/listening area isn't the biggest, but it is not sealed. I have been quite pleased with how the system currenly sounds in 5.1 mode. It's nothing breathtaking, but my student budget doesn't allow for anything of that magnitude.

I figure with my new receiver I should take advantage of that extra channel somehow. What do you think would be more benneficial? I think an extra sub would help fill out the room a little more, but an extra surround speaker might be cool too. I should also say that I'm not wanting to spend a lot of money right now, under $100. There's a Polk M6 Passive Subwoofer on ebay right now. Has anyone had experience with this sub? Thanks in advance.

Jared

stereo55

Adding a center channel for the rear would be nice and may help you with filling the room with a bit more HT sound , although not much decoding really makes it to the rear center but it should still help fill the room. I found a used 6500 center with a pair of fronts at ebay HERE (no affiliation with seller) . You too could use the second set of fronts as SIDE surrounds to help further enlarge you HT sound .

If you add another sub , then I would stay away from a PASSIVE (non-powered) sub as it wont really do you any good . A good choice for a second sub in your price range would be the Dayton 10" (100 watt) from PartsExpress HERE . The Dayton 10" has gotten high praise by many for an good entry level sub .

The choice is up to you on which way you should go and what you think may help produce a better HT sound in your situation .

Good luck ..

VR3

Sell the current sub - and buy a big sub...

McLoki

Originally posted by stereo55

If you add another sub , then I would stay away from a PASSIVE (non-powered) sub as it wont really do you much good .

As the owner of a passive sub, I really must disagree on this point. I will agree, however, that many passive subs are junk. If you choose a good brand name - it could do wonders for you. Keep in mind that Polk is not known for killer subs.

The question is, will your AVR be able to provide the current to run the sub properly when it is also trying to run 5 other speakers.........

The choice is up to you on which way you should go and what you think may help produce a better HT sound in your situation .

Good luck ..

Now this I can agree with...

Michael

jarros

Thanks for the replies guys. I called Polk earlier today, and a single satellite will cost me $80. A center channel speaker will cost $120, which is a lot more than I was thinking it would cost. Considering I got all 5 speakers plus a 50ft spool of Monster Cable for $175 in the first place, I think I'll pass up on these.

I'll hold off on the sub, too. I don't have room to give the receiver the 8 inches above the unit for ventilation that the manual asks for, so I probably shouldn't drive the amp too hard.

Thanks again for the suggestions. I'll keep my eyes open for a cheap center channel on eBay.