Opinions would be appreciated.

interj

Currently doing a remodel on home which is going to open up all walls. I would like to install HT now which we have not had in the past. This will be in a den which is opened to the kitchen and be the main living area. Den will be about 25x 14 and then the kitchen will be open on the long 25' side.

Since we did not have HT before we do not need the best system. 2 Things limiting us, speakers must be in ceiling for rear because they open to kitchen behind and TV will be mounted above Fireplace. I know some people hat the TV above FP but we need to in the layout.

Any way, I've searched in ceiling speakers and Polk seems to have the best. Should I do 5.1 with 4 ceiling speakers? Will the SC line be enough? What other speakers pair with the SC? I will have Book shelves on the sides of the Fireplace so I can go BS speakers instead of ceiling. How do you put a center channel with the TV above FP? You cant put center in the ceiling can you? Does it have to be lined up with TV or can it be off to the side?

What about a sub woofer, do all setups need one or can you get anough bass from the speakers?

We will listen to some music, not loud, other than watching TV and sports and some movies.

Thanks for the help.

rskarvan

A subwoofer is always a good idea. There is bass in a Dolby Digital sound track that is specifically designed for a separate sub-woofer. Without it, you are missing a bunch.

MADGSF

Welcome to the Club!

If possible listen to the different in-ceiling speakers to see which one you like best. Nothing wrong with any of them but since you are not going to have separate amplification stay away from the LCi series. Which ever one you choose get the 8" model if space allows. I have the TC60i and wish I had gone with the bigger speaker.

As for the sub, yes do get a good sub for movies and music. The in-wall/ceiling just can't put out the bass. Polk is not known for the best subs currently. You can get a good SVS or HSU sub for not much money. I would say if you listen to more music than movies the HSU would be a better fit. Good luck and have fun!

Defiant

Welcome, first off how high are your ceilings? Yes you can have center speak in the ceiling. I also would recommend a sub. The SC line would be good, they have the same specs as the RC line, which is a step down from SC, so I guess its up to you on how much you want to spend. There is someone here who has the LC installed and he loves them. A few of us are building houses now and have the RC line but dont have them installed yet so its hard for me to say how they will really be. I am putting all 7 of mine in the ceiling tho.

wingnut4772

I agree with staying away from the Lcis without a really juicy amp and welcome.:)

Bill Ayotte

The RC or SC line should do fine for what you are looking for....How large are you looking to go with the bookshelves? I think something like the LSi7 would work well, and would be one less thing for you to get upgraditis on later. I would get a nice AVR, something along the lines of NAD, Denon, etc....Like you said, this is your first HT and it doesn't need to be the-end-all-be-all...I wouldn't skimp on the fronts, AVR, or the source (DVD, etc.) I consider those to be the core of the system, and if you go at least decent the first time around, you will be more satisfied with the result. I can't comment on a decent inexpensive sub....I've got a Sunfire Super Junior, and it is anything but inexpensive, but if you need a powerful sub in a small space, it really is amazing....Also, do yourself a favor; DON'T use something like lamp cord to do your in-wall wiring...That is something you only want to do once.

interj

Thanks for all the replies.

The Ceiling will be about 8-9 ft where the center channel will be and then about 12 ft where the rear ceiling speakers will be.

Is 5.1 good are do I need 7.1?

I assumed when you say, "don't use something like lamp cord" you mean use quality cable, correct?

I was thinking about the Denon AVR 2807 Receiver. I will probably be getting the Panasonic 42 Plasma TH-42PHD8UK or TH-50PHD8UK. The only thing else is I would like to wire the system to 2 outside speakers also.

If I go with the SC does it matter on which bookshelve or center channel I use?

reeltrouble1

are you interested in playing music? or just HT?

RT1

interj

I will use it for music also, more of background music while conversation is going on and maybe a little louder on the outside speaker to hear by the pool. Nothing too loud.

cstpeter

interj wrote: »

Is 5.1 good are do I need 7.1?

I was thinking about the Denon AVR 2807 Receiver. I will probably be getting the Panasonic 42 Plasma TH-42PHD8UK or TH-50PHD8UK. The only thing else is I would like to wire the system to 2 outside speakers also.

If I go with the SC does it matter on which bookshelve or center channel I use?

A lot of people, including myself, think 5.1 is sufficient, unless you are going dedicated HT or something. Also, that way you can use the remaining 2 channels of the Denon 2807 to power the outside speakers.

Good luck!

interj

I just came across the surroundbar, would that be a better solution? It seems to be getting pretty good reviews.

I will search the forum for feedback.

reeltrouble1

my personal opinion is you would enjoy the ceiling speakers for your HT a bit more than the bar. Since music is not a primary concern then the RC should do just fine, Polk does not make any poor products, just very good to excellent.

RT1