set up help

leroyjr1

Hello I am new the forum and i just upgraded my surround sound speakers. I didn't have the budget to get what i really wanted but i did get a great name brand POLK. I purchased the monitor 50s for the front, cs2 for the center,and monitor 30's for the rear with psw125 sub ( all for $800 ). I have a denon 1708 75 watt per channel receiver and after reading alot of the posts about power and watts I was wondering to get the most out of these speakers will this receiver do or is there something else out their that will do a better job making these speakers sound good with in reason $$$$

I have seen a lot of posts about adding an external amp but alot of those guys are running $5000 plus setups. I am running this setup in a 18x14 basement in a condo. Please throw some good names and models for receivers and external amps that will make my ears and wallet happy. The denon 1708 i bought 5 days ago for $499.00 so if another receiver is needed i am able to return the denon.


thanks leroy

engtaz

The only speaker that might need external amps are the front and center as they carry most of the sound load of HT. Some people buy 3 mono amps, others 2 channel amp and mono a 2 channel amp. I just sold 3 Outlaw M200 200wpc amps for $450 in the FS. That's some money but it doesn't get to the 5,000 mark. I sold them to get another amp. LOL My Denon, used those amps and my speakers sounded much better then with Denon's own power. Externals usually have more headroom the internal amps.

Good Luck,
engtaz

leroyjr1

So should i just keep the receiver and add on external amps

tcrossma

Personally i'd return that receiver and upgrade just a little bit to a model that has pre-outs. That way you'll be able to add an external amp down the road should you decide to upgrade your speakers.

engtaz

+1 tcrossma

engtaz

leroyjr1

I would have to jump two denon models and add $700

leroyjr1

Are yamaha and onkyo receivers and good? I found the yamaha v661 has preamp outs and its less than my denon 1708. What are the top receiver brands

tcrossma

I have a Yamaha RX-V2500 that i'm using as my HT pre and if I had to do it again i'd go for a Denon or HK. Are you saying that you'd have to add $700 to the $500 (for a total of $1200) to get a Denon with pre-outs? That doesn't seem right...

leroyjr1

The Denon 2808 is the start of denon receivers that offer pre out other than sub and that $1200

engtaz

tcrossma wrote: »

if I had to do it again i'd go for a Denon or HK. .

I did the same thing but I started with a Onkyo. That's in my sons room.

engtaz

McLoki

Since this is going in your basement, I would spen your money on room treatments. It will not cost a ton, can be done in stages (or diy) and will help bring out the most in your speakers more than almost any amp upgrade could hope to do.

Welcome to Club Polk,

Michael

MKZ

leroyjr1 wrote: »

The Denon 2808 is the start of denon receivers that offer pre out other than sub and that $1200

Try ubid.com.
2307CI has HDMI and preout also.

candyliquor35m

Is your goal 100% HT or is 2 channel music important to you?

If 2 channel is important, you might have to upgrade the speakers eventually to the lsi series.

leroyjr1

In the basement it 100% HT Sony 1080p projector with 101' screen(18 x 14)room. I have another polk denon setup in my main living room used for tv, music. I live in a condo so my living space is only 1600 sq ft. Maybe i'm just easy to please but the monitor 50 setup I have in my basement sounds outstanding to me (with on 75 watts per channel). I can't imagine what it would sound like if i threw the set up that you guys stated. Lsi25 ect. I would like to hear that setup to compare the difference

thanks for all the help.

mark090852

Welcome to the forum, Leroy.

You might want to research Harman Kardon receivers. Many of the HK receivers have preouts and are not very expensive. Check out Harmanaudio on ebay for refurb receivers. Full factory warranty and great prices.

Here's the link: http://http://stores.ebay.com/Harman-Audio