Need help creating my first real audio setup!

themaxx69

All right! I don't know to much about audio stuff, but I have been doing a lot of research, but there still seems to be so many options. Hopefully I can can get some good feedback here.

I just got a smoking deal on a refurbed tx-sr806 for a few hundred and need some good speakers. Trying to keep costs under $500 or so for speakers.

I seemed to have narrowed it to monitor 50 or r50 for front and rear. Center not sure, cs1 or cs2 or cs400 or cs350 or cs20 or cs10. I have found all of those centers under $200, some under $100. I found r50s new at frys for $69. Then I found monitor 50s at newegg for $89 and I found a pair of monitor 50s locally for $100. I'll get a sub later, maybe a psw110 or psw125.

I keep reading good things about both r50 and monitor 50, front, back, both, mixed.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

thsmith

IS $500 for all the speakers , LCR and SRSL ?

themaxx69

Well, I figured I could get 2 front and 2 back for $250-$300 then a center for $100-200. I mean, I don't have money to burn, but I could spend a little more if it was worth it.

But is spending 2-5 as much on tsi or rti or lsi really worth the price difference. I mean I read about people saying they are so happy with r50s or monitor 50s.

Also, this will mainly be for movies and tv, but also a fair share of music.

themaxx69

Well, if I'm gonna spend a little more on the fronts, what about a little more on the center? What about the cs10 or cs20?

themaxx69

Monitor 60s are looking good.

Conradicles

I would go old school with some Polk SDA's for the fronts or maybe Monitor 10's or 7's. Maybe a CS350 or 400 at center to match.

Go cheap on the surrounds for now and maybe upgrade in the future.
Just my $0.02, and I am very bias to older speakers.

Welcome to Club Polk!

themaxx69

Why the old speakers? Can you even buy those things?

themaxx69

Just found a $15 off coupon code for newegg, dropping the monitor 60 to $115 shipped. Looking better.

Hillbilly61

themaxx69 wrote: »

Why the old speakers? Can you even buy those things?

While I am perfectly OK with new speakers, there are lots of reasons to shop for old speakers. First, a speaker is one of the most durable parts of a stereo system. Properly cared for and operated (not constantly over driven, etc), they will last 30-40 years. As an example, my fronts are 21 year old SDA 2Bs sound like the day I bought them. I probably should think about replacing the capacitors in the crossovers, but that is about all. Second, you can get old speakers that produce a sound quality at prices that is well beyond the budget you state if buying new. Third, speakers tend not to become outdated, like electronics will, so you are unlikely loosing out on some development that is more current by buying an old speaker.

That said, the downside is the effort to get them. Being a used item, you have to constantly look for the ones you want in CL, EB and other used forums. That can require some patience & diligence on your part for the item to become available. Then you might have to drive, like 100 miles, to buy them. Many sellers will not ship and shipping tends to be not cheap.

themaxx69

OK!! I was watching an auction on ebay (actuall 2 seperate) for lsi15s. I couldn't resist considering how much they normally cost. I ended up get 2 used lsi15s both right side apparently, for $410. Seller says they sound great, we'll see. I think it was the way he had the item worded, why it went cheap. If you searched for lsi15, it didn't come up.

Should I keep them or turn around and sell them? I could probably get a lsic for under $300. I know that's a little more than I wanted to spend, but for lsi?

Are lsi series worth keeping or would other series be better? I know the most expensive isn't always better, but with these I don't know.

themaxx69

This is where my limited knowledge ends....so I need another amp? Isn't my receiver an amp? Is it not enough for those speakers?

Rocco1

no.

the LSi line runs at ohm level.
all onk avr's run their best at 8ohms, even though they do have dynamic power at 4ohms
this is highly not recommended. A dedicated amp for the LSi line that is 4 ohm stable is a must. I head the LSi line ran on just an avr at a Fry's and they sounded very chocked up. Powered by an amp on another demo they sounded like angels singing.

themaxx69

Wow, this is getting more and more complicated. So, I have to get a 2 channel power amplifier with at least 200wpc but no more than 250wpc at 4ohms? Then I use the receiver for the other speakers?

I tried looking for power amps, but there seems to be more choices than with speakers and receivers??

themaxx69

Found a yamaha m-60 for $250. 210wpc at 4ohms. Man, there seem to be so many.

NewHTguy

You should check out the clearance deals at audioadvisor. They have some reasonably priced parasounds that come with full warranty.

themaxx69

found a yamaha mx800 for 400, which I'm guessing will power the two ls15's and an lsic. Seems like the cheapest solution??

All the newer amps I see that are over 200wpc @ 4ohms are more money than then speakers and receiver??

Rocco1

Sounds like the LSi line may be something you cant afford to run. Getting great speakers then not being able to power them properly is not a good combination.
Stick with the RTi or the R series you were looking at earlier. You will be able to run them with the AVR you have purchased. I think you would be very happy going that route.

themaxx69

Hum. Been reading around for hours. So.....well, the yamaha m-60 is rated continuous 210wpc @ 4 ohms, and it's a lot cheaper than newer ones that put out the same wpc. Wouldn't that be enough for the 2 fronts?

Rocco1

if you go with the LSi speakers they are all 4ohms you will only get the most out of the speakers by having an amp for all of them.

The LSi is not for a setup where short cuts are taken. Those speakers are for audiophiles who are willing to spend the necessary money to get them running correctly. Amos, proper speaker wire, interconnects, etc. Unless you are will to spend the money, i would not suggest just try to "get by" you will only being doing a dis-service to those speakers and your self.

The reason why you see the LSi line for cheaper on polks ebay store is the previous owner probably didnt power them correctly and ended up messing something up. So those speakers have been refurbed and sold a discount.

You will very rarely see RTi line on that ebay store because they can be powered by a AVR. You have a great AVR that can power the RTi or R series very well.

Or you could just build and buy what you can afford now and just wait on the rest if you are hooked on the LSi line. By waiting i mean get piece by piece and only hook up the speakers once you can properly power them.

nikolas812

Geez.. This whole approach of beating newbies to death about the proper amplification for Lsi's are wearing me out.... Statements like You should just put the speakers away until you get a amp is killing me..



Look. Your receiver is 4 ohms stable and will drive the Lsi's. I say get the two Lsi15's you bought and hook them up and see how they sound before you start buying more stuff... You may love the way they sound with the receiver and probably will. And may be satisfied with it for a great long while.. Not to mention see if you like the general sound of the Lsi's before you get to deep.


Just DON"T turn the speakers up to where they start distorting and you'll be fine. Its easy. Too loud and you damage speakers. Not too loud and you don't. Just because you have a receiver doesn't mean you are going to automatically fry the speakers because of it.


Don't get me wrong. Most of what these guys are saying is true. The bottom line. These speakers will sound better with separate amplification. Do you have to buy a separate amp before you get them. NO. Depending on your listening habits and taste. You may be perfectly content with the receiver. And if you never abuse them volume wise they'll survive just fine.

I also think doing it this way would give you a better appreciation of separate amplification. Once you get acquainted with the sound of the speakers with the receiver and than get a separate amp you'll be amazed!

I'm just sayin. You should take one step at a time. Get the speakers listen to them. If you like them and plan to fill out the other three channels with Lsi's. Do so. Then start saving for a Good five channel amp like the XPA-5 from Emotiva.. And you'll be on your way to a kick **** system and learn some stuff along the way....





Nick

themaxx69

Thanks everyone for all the input. I'm still reading....

Speaking of emotive, isn't the xpa-5 too powerful? What about the lpa-1?

Shouldn't the amps power output be no more than the speakers max or can that be regulated?

Like the xpa-5 says 5 channels - 4 ohm = 350 watts per channel, but that's more than the lsi15's and lsic.

Rocco1

nikolas812 wrote: »

Geez.. This whole approach of beating newbies to death about the proper amplification for Lsi's are wearing me out.... Statements like You should just put the speakers away until you get a amp is killing me..



Look. Your receiver is 4 ohms stable and will drive the Lsi's. I say get the two Lsi15's you bought and hook them up and see how they sound before you start buying more stuff... You may love the way they sound with the receiver and probably will. And may be satisfied with it for a great long while.. Not to mention see if you like the general sound of the Lsi's before you get to deep.


Just DON"T turn the speakers up to where they start distorting and you'll be fine. Its easy. Too loud and you damage speakers. Not too loud and you don't. Just because you have a receiver doesn't mean you are going to automatically fry the speakers because of it.


Don't get me wrong. Most of what these guys are saying is true. The bottom line. These speakers will sound better with separate amplification. Do you have to buy a separate amp before you get them. NO. Depending on your listening habits and taste. You may be perfectly content with the receiver. And if you never abuse them volume wise they'll survive just fine.

I also think doing it this way would give you a better appreciation of separate amplification. Once you get acquainted with the sound of the speakers with the receiver and than get a separate amp you'll be amazed!

I'm just sayin. You should take one step at a time. Get the speakers listen to them. If you like them and plan to fill out the other three channels with Lsi's. Do so. Then start saving for a Good five channel amp like the XPA-5 from Emotiva.. And you'll be on your way to a kick **** system and learn some stuff along the way....





Nick

Sounds like you just kind of help me make my point.
And your right if you dont want to turn it loud it will work. I never said it wouldnt.

Call me crazy, but who doesnt want to listen to it loud?

tcrossma

You don't have to get an amp rated 200-250 @ 4ohm. Having an amp with more power than the speakers are rated for is just fine. Too little power kills speakers are easier than too much power.

Good luck in your audio journey.

nikolas812

The more the better. Usually... At least for this application the more power the better.


You'll never probably use the entire 350watts. But it will be like insurance or "Headroom" as we call it. When you start running out of power thats when you get in trouble. The amp begins to start clipping or distorting and thats what damages speakers. If you have more than enough power. You chances of hurting a speaker are actually a lot less. Not to mention the system will sound better usually. When you hit a dynamic passage during a movie or music and there a quick bursts from low volume to high volume the amp will be called upon to deliver some serious power. If you have it. You will reap the benefits. A better sounding more dynamic movie with great impact...





Nick

themaxx69

Okay, let me know if I should start another thread here. So, I keep the lsi15's, get a lsic, then should I go with 2 lsif/x for rear?

And then I need to look for a 5 channel amp which puts out at least 200wpc(or more) @ 4 ohms?

This is getting expensive. If I'm on the right track any other recommended 5 channel amps that aren't gonna cost another arm or leg?

And when I do get a separate amp to power the speakers, does that mean the receiver isn't powering the speakers at all? Man, my brain hurts, now I gotta read more...

Rocco1

Okay, let me know if I should start another thread here. So, I keep the lsi15's, get a lsic, then should I go with 2 lsif/x for rear?

yes keep all the speakers in the same line they are voice matched

And then I need to look for a 5 channel amp which puts out at least 200wpc(or more) @ 4 ohms?

yes 200wpc is min

This is getting expensive. If I'm on the right track any other recommended 5 channel amps that aren't gonna cost another arm or leg?

adcom make a very nice amp and a lot of people on this page love them.
go to audiogon.com and check there stuff out.

And when I do get a separate amp to power the speakers, does that mean the receiver isn't powering the speakers at all? Man, my brain hurts, now I gotta read more.

your receiver will only be sending out the signal thru the preouts and the amp will power the speakers.

themaxx69

So, if you have your nice separate amp power your nice speakers......

So better receivers process the sound better, not just put out more power? Am I on the right track. So the amp provides the power, and the receiver affects the quality of sound?

themaxx69

Now, I keep thinking about a good analogy for this...are say the polk line of speakers kinda like a fast cars...like a Mustang and a Corvette and a Ferrari, they are all fast and handle good, but some are a little faster and handle a little better, but they are all way better than say a neon... :]

CLPolk

Anybody can walk into Best Buy and come out with a pair of speakers that will be worth half what you paid for them as soon as you leave the store!! Me I enjoy the HUNT the most and finding a Good Deal!! I paid $120.00 For my monitor 11's and $100.00 for my monitor 7B's and $50.00 for my CS350 lsi I drove 100 miles in every direction for them and they each have a story of there own!! I like the fact that you can't just walk into a store and buy them and they are still worth every penny I paid for them! Oh yeh by the way they sound GREAT!!

Bernal

Rocco1 wrote: »

Okay, let me know if I should start another thread here. So, I keep the lsi15's, get a lsic, then should I go with 2 lsif/x for rear?

yes keep all the speakers in the same line they are voice matched

And then I need to look for a 5 channel amp which puts out at least 200wpc(or more) @ 4 ohms?

yes 200wpc is min

This is getting expensive. If I'm on the right track any other recommended 5 channel amps that aren't gonna cost another arm or leg?

adcom make a very nice amp and a lot of people on this page love them.
go to audiogon.com and check there stuff out.

And when I do get a separate amp to power the speakers, does that mean the receiver isn't powering the speakers at all? Man, my brain hurts, now I gotta read more.

your receiver will only be sending out the signal thru the preouts and the amp will power the speakers.

Hi,
If you are going to Serie LSi must keep the unit for maximum performance and precise timbre in all speakers.
Must have budget and purchasing program. A good Denon (AVR-4308CI: Advanced 7.1 CH/5.1+2 CH/ 3.1+2+2 CH A/V Home Theater/MultiMedia Multi-Source/Zone Receiver with Networking and WiFi) will give you an excellent sound.
http://www.usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/AVReceivers.asp

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1) DENON AVR-4308CI: Advanced 7.1 CH/5.1+2 CH/ 3.1+2+2 CH A/V Home Theater /MultiMedia Multi-Source/Zone Receiver with Networking and WiFi/170 watts x 7 channels
2) HITACHI P55T501. 55" HD1080 Plasma HDTV
3) DENON DVD-1740: Progressive Scan DVD Video/CD Player
4) DENON DVD-2500BTCI: Blu-ray Disc™ DVD/CD Digital Player/Transport
5) POLKAUDIO LSiC (Center speaker)
6) POLKAUDIO LSi15 LEFT (Front speaker)
7) POLKAUDIO LSi15 RIGHT (Front speaker)
8) POLKAUDIO LSif/x LEFT (Surround speaker)
9) POLKAUDIO LSif/x RIGHT (Surround speaker)
10) SONY SA-WP16 ( Sub Woofer 2X200W)