New Set up - Opinions and Suggestions Wanted

Cyan

Hey everyone, I'd like to hear your opinions on a few things regarding my new home theatre set-up. Here's what I've just purchased.

Epson Powerlite Home Cinema 1080p Projector - 120"
Front Left/Right - LC65i
Center - LCic
Surround L/R - RC85i
2 Rears - RC85i
Sub - DSW600 (On order till August)
Receiver - Harmon Kardon AVR235
Cables - Monoprice.com 12AWG speaker wire, 25ft vga extension, 22AWG HDMI, 25FT 18 AWG component

1) First off, is my receiver powerful enough to run these guys? The room is 20 feet by 12 feet. I used to use the receiver for a HK H-I-B and it was ok. I've heard that H/K receivers are typically lower watt per channel but make up for it by being "high current", any thoughts on the matter?

2) Should I be using another component such as a pre-amp? I haven't researched these yet. Is it really necessary? Any good suggestions, links?

3) Any ideas regarding quality loss to the projector using 25ft runs. All cables should expect to be extended around another 8ft as I will be coupling them to devices (i.e.: Xbox 360 to VGA extension, PS3 to HDMI).

4) Should these speakers be set to "small" or "large". I set my old H/K's to "small" as they were cheap H-I-B's. Should I do the same with this set-up.

5) I've created my own in-wall enclosures using fire studs and pink sound insulation. Should I put insulation directly behind the speaker or should I give it some room to "breath"? Has anyone ever heard for coating the enclosure with car undercoat? I have been told it would be beneficial. If so I will cover the insulation with a vapour barrier and then spray undercoat.

6) Last question I promise, what do you guys recommend to configure all this, digital theatre essentials or avia. I'm pretty sure my store sells both.

Thanks a ton to whoever takes the time to read my post. I myself work in an electronic store (Future Shop, computer section), however, the guys in home theatre are full of B.S. when it comes down to the nitty gritty details. After reading through some posts here and seeing the amount of insane depth some of you guys get into, I figure you guys are my best chance to tap some legit audio know-how.

Thanks and Greetings,
Cyan

schwarcw

Greetings and welcome to Club Polk Cyan!:)

I'm not familiar with these models of Polks or your HK receiver. As for the in walls, I would put some insulation behind them, you don't want them resonating in the walls. Did they include any installation instructions with the speakers?

Another suggestion is to contact Polk Audio's Customer Service. They are good people and want to help. Have you looked at their "Education" center? Look Here

Willow

Welcome Cyan,

You are right the guys in the HT section of FS are full of BS. Way back when you sold AR cables I went to buy some, the rep said " don't buy those buy the monster" I replied "why? tell me why I should spend the Xtra $$" he then said "cause they are better" "how so?" is what I said. He then basically read the info on the package. I said "prove to me they are better" that was the end of the conversation. Sorry getting back to your questions....

for one I can say set your speakers to small and xover at about 80. As mentioned above, insulate the backs as well. Will your receiver power them, Yes and will it be enough power...is it ever enough?! For now it will do.
I used both Avia and DVE, though I could not find them at FS. So I bought DVE from HMV and was able to find a used Avia. If you don't have a SPL meter, you can use the calibration EZset with your HK.

Where bouts do you live ?

ejd

I had a real problem with my HK 435 driving my LSI15s and a LSic because HK advised me that the 435 was only to be used on 6-8 ohm speakers. My speakers were 4 ohm and Polk said they should have 150 WPC to make them work good. I ended up with 3 Outlaw mon-blocks at 300 WPC at 4 ohms. Works great now. Here is an article on impedance for speakers that may help you. It did me. http://www.hometoys.com/htinews/feb04/articles/polk/impedence.htm

ejd

Don't know about your speakers but the LSic instructions said to set the speaker setting at small to keep the base down and let the base for the LSi15s

phuz

1. No
2. Possibly. You'll need more power, so along with that you may consider a pre-amp/processor. I'm not sure if the AV-225 has pre-outs or not.
3. Dunno.
4. Small, with a sub. If no sub, you can set to large... but keep the volume down (especially with that HK)
5. Dunno.
6. Dunno. Either/or. Just get an SPL meter ago go from there...

Cyan

Thanks for all the feedback guys, it gives me a lot to mull over. I checked the receiver and it does have pre-outs, however I think I'll test out how the h/k fares before I begin searching for a pre-amp.

Willow, don't get me started about the amount of crap some of my co-workers spout about monster cables. In my opinion the whole cable and power cleaning industry thrives off consumer ignorance and salesperson instilled 'fear' that they will lose quality if they don't buy the hundred doller cables. The strange thing is some of the guys will defend it to no end even though they never think to set a simply side by side demo up. I myself stick with the stuff I found at monoprice, I find the quality of the speaker wire to exceed that of my old monster cable.

Thanks again for the info guys!

Oh yeah, and nice to see someone else on the boards from Ottawa, I'm in the Ottawa University area myself.

Just one more quickie. Is there a downside, other than having low volume, if my receiver is under powered for these speakers? I just want to make sure I'm not risking damage to the speakers or receiver.

Sami

If I was you, I'd probably get a 2ch or 3ch amplifier to help the AVR. With the front being 4ohm and you running 7.1 instead of 5.1 a decent amp would be cheap insurance and a little peace of mind knowing you won't run into trouble.

I don't know how good the new Polk subwoofers are but I would seriously look into other brands as well. I won't mention any names but a search would bring them up easily.

Cyan

Sami, I'm leaning towards your suggestion of getting a 3ch amplifier to help out with my receiver. After reading ejd's link on impedance I think it is important for me to get a pre-amp for my 2 fronts and center seeing as how they are all 4 ohm speakers.

Any ideas on 3ch amplifiers guys? I know my store doesn't sell them. What are the major brands? Obviously I want something good but not too high end as it is just a support component. I plan on replacing my AVR when the new line of H/K's come out.

As for the sub, I was originally planning on getting a PSW505 but my employee purchase deal with Polk only had their new subs listed. Thus I decided on the DSW600. Has anyone heard anything on this sub, I've checked around but there's not too much on it as it will be releasing this August. Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks

phuz

Rotel RB-993, or there are 3 Outlaw monoblocks on Audiogon.com for a steal right now.

AndyGwis

The HK AVR-235 would be your "preamp" as you keep mentioning. It decodes / processes the signal from your source (DVD player, CD player, cable box, etc.) and sends it to the amplification (internal or external) which then makes sound through you speakers.

I second the idea of getting the HK 235 and a 3 channel amp. If you look at my sig, I have the 635 and a 3 channel amp, which makes a great pairing.

My amp can (B&K 1430) can be found for $300 - $450 depending on condition. There is a B&K three channel amp on Agon now for $400obo. You could try to steal it for $300 or so and be set. Not sure about shipping costs to Ottawa, tho, may try to find something local off a canadian online seller.

Maybe canuck audio mart?

Sami

Some examples below. Criteria for these was affordable price on the used market.

3ch: ACURUS A100x3 (or A200x3), Rotel RB993, Denon POA 8300

2ch: Adcom 545, B&K ST140, Rotel RB980/890

5ch: Adcom GFA-5400, B&K AVP5000

Willow

Cyan wrote: »

Oh yeah, and nice to see someone else on the boards from Ottawa, I'm in the Ottawa University area myself..

You are in the Sandy Hill Area? We just moved last week from Hunt Club to a new house in Orleans (Avalon).
There was one other guy on the forum who was from Otown. He now lives in the T.O area but he came over to my place for a visit once. Gatemplin is/was his forum name.

john22614

Anthem MCA 3 is an excellent 3 channel amp at 225 wpc into 8 ohms.....I'm using it with a Yamaha rxv 630 as a pre to two LSI9's and a LSIc and it sounds great....then using the Yamaha at 75 wpc to run to 8 ohm Monitor Radius 180 surrounds. Using Blue Jean interconnects and bi wire speaker wire for a good quality reasonably priced solution. The Anthem is about $1200 new....but will last forever.....and only weighs about 45 lbs, You might
want to consider a used one....don't know about the market for those.....sounds like you're putting together a great set up....keep us posted on what you decide on. Good luck