Monitor decisions. Floor vs bookshelf. Sub size. Help me decide.
Im building a new HT setup in a new (dedicated) room in the basement. I would say that 95% of the use will be either HT or XBOX. My room is about 14x15x8. No windows and only one door. In case it matters, I have a Sony STR-DE695 receiver.
I'm kind of working with something like a $1-1.5k budget. I'm think that this is putting me in the Monitor line, with the possibility of RT line using bookshelfs for fronts.
Assuming that I go with the Monitor series...
Since I am primarily using the setup for HT, I would like strong center performance. Is there enough performance differnce between the CS1 and CS2 to warrant an approximate $120 price difference? That's one possible upgrade.
For subs, is there a similar difference between the PSW10 and the PSW12? I don't think my room is too big to fill easily but is 50w enough? Again this is about a $150 upgrade.
Normally I would opt for a floor standing speaker. I was thinking Monitor 60. However I can save about $160 by going down to the 50 and a whopping $260 (almost half the price) by going down to the 40 bookshelf. Of course then I would have to get stands ($100?). But that might allow me better placement (height). I would think it would decrease bass performance, but that could be offset by the PSW12?
For rears, I'm wanting in-wall. I think that the RC55is would be sufficient for my needs.
It's my understanding that everything I've mentioned is 'timbre matched' as much as possible.
So, 60s and PSW10 vs 40s and PSW12. Which seems like a better option. There are marginal (if any) cost differences.
CS1 vs CS2. Worth the upgrade? Does it make any difference what the front/sub decision is?
Finally, is there any where to get discounted prices on Polks? It seems like they have tighter price control than Sony. When you see things on pricegrabber like '7 prices from 199 to 200' you have to wonder.
Thanks for your help as I am a noob at this (you should see the ghetto speakers I have now). Somehow I got hooked on the idea of Polks (great sound reputation and they look so nice).
I'm kind of working with something like a $1-1.5k budget. I'm think that this is putting me in the Monitor line, with the possibility of RT line using bookshelfs for fronts.
Assuming that I go with the Monitor series...
Since I am primarily using the setup for HT, I would like strong center performance. Is there enough performance differnce between the CS1 and CS2 to warrant an approximate $120 price difference? That's one possible upgrade.
For subs, is there a similar difference between the PSW10 and the PSW12? I don't think my room is too big to fill easily but is 50w enough? Again this is about a $150 upgrade.
Normally I would opt for a floor standing speaker. I was thinking Monitor 60. However I can save about $160 by going down to the 50 and a whopping $260 (almost half the price) by going down to the 40 bookshelf. Of course then I would have to get stands ($100?). But that might allow me better placement (height). I would think it would decrease bass performance, but that could be offset by the PSW12?
For rears, I'm wanting in-wall. I think that the RC55is would be sufficient for my needs.
It's my understanding that everything I've mentioned is 'timbre matched' as much as possible.
So, 60s and PSW10 vs 40s and PSW12. Which seems like a better option. There are marginal (if any) cost differences.
CS1 vs CS2. Worth the upgrade? Does it make any difference what the front/sub decision is?
Finally, is there any where to get discounted prices on Polks? It seems like they have tighter price control than Sony. When you see things on pricegrabber like '7 prices from 199 to 200' you have to wonder.
Thanks for your help as I am a noob at this (you should see the ghetto speakers I have now). Somehow I got hooked on the idea of Polks (great sound reputation and they look so nice).
Post edited by Hoop on
Comments
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Id get some bookshelfs from the monitor line...
a SVS Subwoofer : PB 10 - youll thank me later - www.svsound.com
Everything else sounds good
HT/Gaming = A good sub. One that can hit below 20hz.- Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit. -
The Monitor 40s are basically just a bookshelf version of the Monitor 50s. I guess you can figure out whether or not buying the stands and all that is worth it to you. Either of them is a great speaker. I love my Monitors!
But, you could also go for a basic RTi setup. You could get a pair of RTi4s (which cost LESS than the Monitor 40s and are equal or better in performance), and you could get a CSi3 which costs $100 less than a CS2. I agree with the above post about getting the SVS sub.KEF Q150 | Rythmik F12 | Yamaha Aventage RX-A780 -
If you want to go really inexpensive go for the R15's when Fry's - outpost.com - has 'em on sale for $49 a pair.
Want towers? R30's @ $39 each or R50's @ $89 each when Fry's is running sales.
Pick up a CSi25 (I think they were just on sale for $69)
Get a SVS PB-10 $429, or 25-31 PCi $549.
I'm running FR,FL,SR, & SL R15's + CSi20 + SVS 20-39. In a word - awesome! Three words - awesome and inexpensive!
Best of luck - let us know what you decide 
Audio: Polk S15 * Polk S35 * Polk S10 * SVS SB-1000 Pro
HT: Samsung QN90B * Marantz NR1510 * Panasonic DMP-BDT220 * Roku Ultra LT * APC H10 -
I have the rti6, csi5 and svs pb10-isd. Very happy with this setup. The sound is crisp, clear and with a great bottom end down to 20hz. Get the SPL meter from RShack or svs and make sure you get the volumes leveled.Equipment: RTi6, CSi5, SVS PB10-ISD sub, speakercraft 6.5crs ceiling surrounds, Onkyo NR801 receiver
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I have a dedicated HT room similar to your dimensions and I use the PSW12 which handles the room very well. It's not overpowering, but it will get the job done. With the combination of speakers you plan to use, the PSW12 would make an excellent compliment to a well-balanced HT system. I've had my HT now for a little over 6 months and I still enjoy it like I just got it yesterday. AND I got it all at a killer price!!_________________________
Main: Polk R50s
Center: Polk CSi3
Surround: Polk R30s
Rear: Polk R15s
Sub: Polk PSW12
Cherry Wood Edition
Whirlwind Cables/Connectors
Harman/Kardon AVR635
Harman/Kardon DVD 27
Sony RDR-GX300 DVDR
Sony Bravia 40" XBR1
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Maestro wrote:I have a dedicated HT room similar to your dimensions and I use the PSW12 which handles the room very well. It's not overpowering, but it will get the job done. With the combination of speakers you plan to use, the PSW12 would make an excellent compliment to a well-balanced HT system. I've had my HT now for a little over 6 months and I still enjoy it like I just got it yesterday. AND I got it all at a killer price!!
Let me guess, you got most of your speakers from outpost.com when they have the amazing deals on r series speakers?KEF Q150 | Rythmik F12 | Yamaha Aventage RX-A780 -
BjornB17 wrote:Let me guess, you got most of your speakers from outpost.com when they have the amazing deals on r series speakers?
Yes and no: Frye's store location and Crutchfield._________________________
Main: Polk R50s
Center: Polk CSi3
Surround: Polk R30s
Rear: Polk R15s
Sub: Polk PSW12
Cherry Wood Edition
Whirlwind Cables/Connectors
Harman/Kardon AVR635
Harman/Kardon DVD 27
Sony RDR-GX300 DVDR
Sony Bravia 40" XBR1
_________________________ -
Hi.
I have the same problem....is the monitor 30 the correct surround speakers????
Personally I believe YES. But other opinions would be great. ThanksMy current new system (step by step)
A/V Receiver: YAMAHA RX-V657
DVD Player: YAMAHA DVD-S657
Main Towers: polkaudio® Monitor 50
Wiring: NeoTecH KS1007 OFC High Definition Speaker Cable ( 2 x 2.64 mm² ) -
BjornB17 wrote:The Monitor 40s are basically just a bookshelf version of the Monitor 50s. I guess you can figure out whether or not buying the stands and all that is worth it to you. Either of them is a great speaker. I love my Monitors!
They're exactly the same???!!! So essentially the Monitor 50 is a cooler looking (depending on if you like floor speakers or not) Monitor 40???!!! I am shocked :eek:
So what's the difference between the Monitor 50 and 60 then?Distant Dream - A New Beginning
www.distantdream.com
(Now also available on iTunes) -
the 60's boast an additional 5 1/4" driver...I never had it like this where I grew up. But I send my kids here because the fact is you go to one of the best schools in the country: Rushmore. Now, for some of you it doesn't matter. You were born rich and you're going to stay rich. But here's my advice to the rest of you: Take dead aim on the rich boys. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down. Just remember, they can buy anything but they can't buy backbone. Don't let them forget it. Thank you.Herman Blume - Rushmore
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crazy wrote:They're exactly the same???!!! So essentially the Monitor 50 is a cooler looking (depending on if you like floor speakers or not) Monitor 40???!!! I am shocked :eek:
So what's the difference between the Monitor 50 and 60 then?
Not exactly the same but very close. I've listened to both and you cant really tell a difference. The cabinet for the 50 is slightly bigger, but it has very little effect on sound, atleast to my ears. Keep in mind they both use dual 5.25" drivers and the same tweeter.
Thes 60s are different because they use 3 5.25" drivers intead of 2. I think all of the 5.25" drivers in the 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s are mid-woofers. The 70s use 4 6.5" drivers, two of which are midrange and two of which are woofers.KEF Q150 | Rythmik F12 | Yamaha Aventage RX-A780 -
sorry to hijack this thread..
hey bjorn, have you noticed any difference in the output of the drivers in the 70's when adjusting the crossover?
seems like the higher i set the crossover on my receiver, the more "similar" the four drivers becomeI never had it like this where I grew up. But I send my kids here because the fact is you go to one of the best schools in the country: Rushmore. Now, for some of you it doesn't matter. You were born rich and you're going to stay rich. But here's my advice to the rest of you: Take dead aim on the rich boys. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down. Just remember, they can buy anything but they can't buy backbone. Don't let them forget it. Thank you.Herman Blume - Rushmore -
zombie boy 2000 wrote:the 60's boast an additional 5 1/4" driver...
And I suppose that's what makes it a little fuller than the 50's? I auditioned both and found little difference between those 2 except that the 60's sounded a little fuller than the 50 - again I could have been biased by the fact that the 60's are a little bigger and more expensive :-)Distant Dream - A New Beginning
www.distantdream.com
(Now also available on iTunes) -
zombie boy 2000 wrote:sorry to hijack this thread..
hey bjorn, have you noticed any difference in the output of the drivers in the 70's when adjusting the crossover?
seems like the higher i set the crossover on my receiver, the more "similar" the four drivers become
I think the 70s use a 2.5-way design (again i could be mistaken, im not a Polk engineer:)) in which all 4 drivers are crossed over at 2.6 khz, so they should all play up to that range, however, the top two drivers will only play down to a certain point, while the bottom two drivers will play to lower frequencies. So if that is true, it will make sense that they should all sound more similar at a higher crossover, since they are in fact probably playing the same frequencies.
Overall im very happy with the Monitor series speakers. They are very bright sounding, but they dont sound harsh. They dont put out much bass, but with a good subwoofer they can balance together very nicely. I got my 70s for $240 each at CC (effictively, after selling the 'free' PSW10, and $205 for the CS2, and $100 for each of the Monitor 30s. CHT-12 sub cost me $280. Got them all at Circuit City. The salepeople there act like used car dealers (i know the tactics since i used to work at CC), and they will tell you that they can't negotiate the price or anything, but just haggle with them long enough and they will budge. I kept the audio/video manager tied up for over an hour and he finally gave in KEF Q150 | Rythmik F12 | Yamaha Aventage RX-A780 -
good to hear about the lads at CC.. since i'm planning on making my way over there soon to purchase some 30's
retail $200-- any suggestions on what to aim for?I never had it like this where I grew up. But I send my kids here because the fact is you go to one of the best schools in the country: Rushmore. Now, for some of you it doesn't matter. You were born rich and you're going to stay rich. But here's my advice to the rest of you: Take dead aim on the rich boys. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down. Just remember, they can buy anything but they can't buy backbone. Don't let them forget it. Thank you.Herman Blume - Rushmore -
zombie boy 2000 wrote:good to hear about the lads at CC.. since i'm planning on making my way over there soon to purchase some 30's
retail $200-- any suggestions on what to aim for?
If you're going to get the 30s, you can get these:
http://www.tweeter.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2124916&cp=&keywords=polk&searchId=10517252646&parentPage=search
Polk T20, which is the same speaker as the Monitor 30s except for a few costmetic changes. You also get free shipping. Might take a couple weeks to arrive because of backorder though. either way, you can save the $70
As for circuit city, they usually wont negotiate unless you're making a large purchase, such as $500+. I got my 30s about a week after buying the other 3 speakers, so i lost my negotiating power since they weren't at risk of losing a large sale,but if you're buying multiple speakers, they should be able to work with you.
When my brother bought his new setup, he was able to get his main towers for about 25% off each, along with a free center channel and two bookshelves for surrounds as long as spent at least $200 on a subwoofer. So he got a Velodyne CHT-10 which was on clearance for $200 and got all the other speakers for an amazing price. KEF Q150 | Rythmik F12 | Yamaha Aventage RX-A780 -
brilliant... and absolutely no difference, eh?
this seems to be far and away the best option
good looking out I never had it like this where I grew up. But I send my kids here because the fact is you go to one of the best schools in the country: Rushmore. Now, for some of you it doesn't matter. You were born rich and you're going to stay rich. But here's my advice to the rest of you: Take dead aim on the rich boys. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down. Just remember, they can buy anything but they can't buy backbone. Don't let them forget it. Thank you.Herman Blume - Rushmore
