All New Setup Help

Cuzin
Cuzin Posts: 3
edited February 2008 in Speakers
Hi all,

After a couple of weeks of research on the boards and around the net, I think I've narrowed down my new 5.1 setup to the following:


Fronts: RTi8's
Center: CSi3
Surrounds: FXiA4's or RTi6's or RTi4's
Sub: HSU STF-2

Receiver: Harman/Kardon AVR-247 (or 347?)


Initially, I will be using it mainly for TV/movies/gaming but will soon be getting some turntables and be using the setup (fronts+sub) for music a lot more - so I'd like it to be balanced in that respect also if possible.

A few questions:

1. What would be the best option for surrounds out of the 3 above (or something similar)? I guess I'm not sure what the pro's/con's are of using a bookshelf vs. an actual "surround speaker" - are bookshelf/normal speakers only really recommended for 5.1 music?

2. Is the H/K-247 sufficient for this setup? Will the extra power of the 347 make a significant difference with the front RTi8's or subwoofer?

3. Any compatibility issues or any other problems you see with this setup?

4. Or any changes I should make that won't break the bank?

Any comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Post edited by Cuzin on
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Comments

  • Cuzin
    Cuzin Posts: 3
    edited February 2008
    *bump*

    Anyone out there?
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 33,029
    edited February 2008
    1- Opions depend on the room you have.FX surrounds will give you a more diffused rear sound field,while the 6's or 4's will be better for muti channel music.All good choices,you decide what fits into your room best.

    2-Yes,if your going with an avr,go with the beefiest one you can afford with the bells and whistles you want.

    3-no

    4-Depends,if it was me,I would look at the 5 instead of the 3 for center,and sub,would go for the 3 instead of the 2.Not sure how that sub does on music.Heard it was great for ht though.Others might chime in on that thought.Plenty of threads here that talk about subs too.Any more questions? C'mon,it's 3:30 am,can't sleep,bad dreams and all.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • engtaz
    engtaz Posts: 7,664
    edited February 2008
    1. I like the 6's their easier to place and great sounding for 5.1 stereo.
    2. I perfer to get a AVR with the hookups I want then externally amplify via the pre amp outs of the AVR. (at least for the front and Center channel speakers.
    3. Agree NO.
    4. What I mentioned in 2.

    engtaz
    engtaz

    I love how music can brighten up a bad day.
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  • 07maximan
    07maximan Posts: 23
    edited February 2008
    For the money Id look at this reciever:

    http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8470255&type=product&id=1190677437052

    For the money I think its hard to beat.Its has twice the power of the HK and also has THX certification.
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  • Poee7R
    Poee7R Posts: 904
    edited February 2008
    07maximan wrote: »
    For the money Id look at this reciever:

    http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8470255&type=product&id=1190677437052

    For the money I think its hard to beat.Its has twice the power of the HK and also has THX certification.

    Haha before the mobs get their torches lit I'll share some thoughts.

    1. Don't put too much stock in listed power ratings on receiver's, you will usually end up disappointed. I cant remember what it was called, but there was a comparison done on a bunch of reciever's and the true wattage they output, you would be surprised at the real numbers.

    If someone has a link it would be cool of you to post it.

    2. THX certification means squat, it's more of a marketing gimmick than anything else. Let your ear's decide, not the words on the front of the unit.


    Dave

    Btw Cuzin and Maximan, Welcome to Club Polk.
    Once again we meet at last.
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  • 07maximan
    07maximan Posts: 23
    edited February 2008
    Poee7R wrote: »
    Haha before the mobs get their torches lit I'll share some thoughts.

    1. Don't put too much stock in listed power ratings on receiver's, you will usually end up disappointed. I cant remember what it was called, but there was a comparison done on a bunch of reciever's and the true wattage they output, you would be surprised at the real numbers.

    If someone has a link it would be cool of you to post it.

    2. THX certification means squat, it's more of a marketing gimmick than anything else. Let your ear's decide, not the words on the front of the unit.


    Dave

    Btw Cuzin and Maximan, Welcome to Club Polk.


    LOL!! Thats funny.

    Thanks for the welcome.

    I do agree that the lower end Pioneer stuff is probably overated,but for your average listener or home theater enthusiast I personally think it would be perfect.

    I just got a Pioneer Elite and I cant believe how amazing it sounds.However a 1600.00 reciever isnt for everyone.
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