Center Channel Decision....

shawn474

After much thought and research, I decided to upgrade the center channel with the JBL Northridge Series EC35. I got it because the place that I bought it from has a 30 day no hassle money back guarantee. Also, I wanted a three way center channel. I heard a lot of good things about it and I got it at a great price. It was between the CS1 and this one to go with my RM6005 satellites. IT IS A HUGE SPEAKER!!!! I am very happy with the purchase after watching a couple of movies and listening to some cd's.

That being said, I had the speakers wired the "Polk way" through my subwoofer (infinity bu-2). I decided to switch to the traditional method of using the sub out RCA cables and directly wiring the speakers to my receiver. I am actually happier with the sound after switching. I had been having trouble with voices on the center channel and overall lack of performance on the 6005 center channel. I have overcome my disatisfaction and can now rest easy. My question is, does Polk recommend this wiring only because of the LFE or are there other reasons? I don't think I'll switch back as I am very happy with the sound now that I've made the conversion. Just thought I'd let everyone know who gave me advice. Thanks to all who help out with my questions for a truly modest system, but one that I enjoy very much. This forum is great.

Taurus574

shawn474 wrote:

That being said, I had the speakers wired the "Polk way" through my subwoofer (infinity bu-2). ........ My question is, does Polk recommend this wiring only because of the LFE or are there other reasons?

Well, I think a few problems would had been the fact that you had the speakers hooked up through your Infinity sub first and then to the rear satellites or which ever way you had it. This is probably due to the fact that your infinity sub and the sub that came with the Polk set has different crossovers in them and they didn't match each other. I'm sure it would have sounded better if you had the Polk sub hooked up instead thru the high level inputs instead because the whole set was made to match/compliment with each other.

As for your current HT hookup..... I think you should have hooked it up the way it is now from the beginning especially with the reciever that you have. You have a pre-out subwoofer on your reciever which you should have used to plug in all along. From the diagram that in manual for the RM6005 (yeah, I had a lot of time on my hands) it should have had a 3rd diagram showing how to hook up everthing with the subwoofer connecting to a pre-out subwoofer off of your reciever. Maybe they just forgot.. who knows.. but now it's correct.

Last thing you should do is go into your settings and make sure that all your speakers ie, mains, center, surround is set to small. You've got a pretty good receiver that if set the wrong way can blow out those satellites. Putting the setting to "small" on your reciever eliminates the lower frequencies that can damages the woofers on those satellites.

Last think I would do is to tune everything. Since you don't have matching speakers anymore, (infinity sub with Polk sats and JBL center) they're all going to be efficient in it's own way. You're gonna need to "dial" everything in to make everything sould right. That means setting the levels on each speaker you got.

http://www.audiophilia.com/hardware/spl.htm

Pick up a sound meter at Radio shack (40-50 bucks depending if you want an analog one or digital) and go to town. That right there should money/time well spent.

I think I said enough for now... I'm no HT expert or rocket scientist... But I did sleep and a Holiday Express Inn last night.

shawn474

Hey Taurus, I just wanted to thank you very much for the time and effort that you put in paying attention to my situation and giving me the advice. It is honestly very nice to know that there are people like you out there (and all polksters) to help people like myself (who admittedly doesn't know much). All I know is that I love listening to music and watching movies and like to spend as much time and money (little as it may be) as I can making it enjoyable. Thanks again and take care.

Shawn

Taurus574

No prob Shawn. I'm part of a few forums and it's all the same.. people sharing and helping each other out. The good folks here helped me out with my setup even tho I thought I knew it all.. boy was I wrong. So in retrospect, I myself will try to help out folks as best as I can.. plus it's fun.