Help, please.

RK8

I recently got a Polk csi3 center from a friend that needed $100, new in box.
So then I bought 2 r50's from Fry's for $120/pr, and 4 r150's for $100.
I added a Klipsch KSW10 subwoofer for $150. I think these were good deals, but not sure.
Do these match well for a starter Home Theater system? Any recommendations for a 7.1 receiver? I was looking at a Marantz 7500, but am fairly clueless.
How many watts do I need?
Thank you very much for any help you can give me.

ben62670

I personally like HK, but the Marantz will be fine. Just make sure it has Pre outs. Don't get too hung up on watts. With HK 45 is fine. Others I recommend around 100wpc. Your off to a good start. I don't really like Klipsch. Other will chime in.
Welcome to CP
Ben

Refefer

It sounds like a good entry level system. Certainly better than almost all HTiBs, so your off to a good start. I second ben's statement about pre-outs, and not to get too obsessed with power. If you need more power later, that's what the pre-outs are for. As for the sub, someday you might want more bang but for now it looks like you're good.

the7comeback7ki

I started(still using) the same setup but in 5.1. It sounds great over here .
Edit: differant subwoofer. Same speakers

RK8

Thank you all. The sub is from Costco and could be taken back (still in box).
Is the Polk one better?
Sorry for ignorance, but what is pre-out?

Refefer

RK8 wrote: »

Sorry for ignorance, but what is pre-out?

Pre-outs, aka Preamp-outs, allows you to use the receiver as a preamp. In case you're not familiar with preamps, they are devices which allow you to control all sound processing (volume control, tone controls, signal processing such as Dolby and others) and then send the resulting signal to an external amplifier. It's a very convenient feature to have since it allows you to buy an external amplifier, which can be extremely powerful, without having to buy a preamp at the same time.

cfrizz

Welcome RK.

If you click on this link, and click on the other link for a picture of the back
http://us.marantz.com/Products/2086.asp?ProductName=SR6001+XM+Ready+Surround+Sound+Receiver+#

you will see on the right hand side a box that is labeled Preout. This is for hooking up a separate amplifier for more power than your receiver will ever be able to give your speakers. It makes a big difference on how good everything sounds.

These receivers cost more money but having that feature is essential for future upgrades in power.

From what I have read, the new Polk DSW subs are terrific & well worth getting.

RK8

Thank you all for your help. I think I may return the Klipsch sub and get a Polk, will the psw10 go well with the R50's and CSI3?
One more, if you will:
Any recommendations on these?
Harmon Kardon AVR-247 50 watts (x7) $399 (free shipping too)
Onkyo TX-SR605 90 watts (x7) $399
Pioneer VSX 1017TXVK 150 watts(x7) $359
Marantz SR4002 80 watts9x7) $419 (THX certified)

Please briefly school me on importance, or lack thereof, of wattage.
Is THXcertification a big deal?
Thank you all in advance.

danger boy

RK8 wrote: »

Thank you all for your help. I think I may return the Klipsch sub and get a Polk, will the psw10 go well with the R50's and CSI3?
One more, if you will:
Any recommendations on these?
Harmon Kardon AVR-247 50 watts (x7) $399 (free shipping too)
Onkyo TX-SR605 90 watts (x7) $399
Pioneer VSX 1017TXVK 150 watts(x7) $359
Marantz SR4002 80 watts9x7) $419 (THX certified)

Please briefly school me on importance, or lack thereof, of wattage.
Is THXcertification a big deal?
Thank you all in advance.

of those 4 receivers, i'd go for the Marantz. Yeah 80 watts don't seem like much.. but like HK, i have found that they under rate their power by a little bit. It should drive your speakers fine.

ben62670

No need for a new thread I would keep it here...

I like the HK's. For the money, and pre-outs you can't beat the bang for buck.
http://stores.ebay.com/Harman-Audio_...QQftidZ1QQtZkm
Take your time, and find a good deal. 247's can be had pretty cheap. This is from HK, not some ebayer.
THX means the company paid for a fancy sticker.
50 watts HK = 100+ watts most other manufacturers in the same price range.
Don't get too hung on watts. You need to double them to get a 3db difference.
Getting a separate amp used for the fronts is a good way to really start a nice system going.
Happy hunting
Ben
__________________

RK8

Ben, great site. Avr 247's going for $270-300, you already saved me $100!
I have no problem spending up to $500, the AVR 340 is going for $230, is this a lesser model? Also, the 435 is about $300, and the 445 is about $500.
Any suggestions?
(2)r50's
csi3
(4)r150's
Thanks again.

RK8

Don't quite yet know how to navigate this site, thought I had to put new thread to get response.