5.1 with Polks or 7.1 with others

chiefnet

Hello all. I’m new to the forums (though been reading for awhile), and new to 5.1 and above systems. I’m getting ready to jump in, but am torn on what type of system to put together. I just bought some Polk Monitor 60s, and now was wondering if I can get some opinions, thoughts, experiences from people in the know. I’ve been reading posts for weeks all over the internet and been asking people questions at stores, but I’m mostly torn on the surrounds.

-I have a Pioneer Elite 5.1 receiver (VSX-53TX) that’s a few years old, but I never really used it much.
-I have replaced old Sony Fronts with Monitor 60s
-I am looking to get a Polk CS2 for the center to match the Monitor 60s (if I can figure out where to put it).

Now here’s where I’m torn…
I live in a high rise apartment, so I’m not sure which would sound better of the following setups. My room is 15ft depth, about 20ft wide (but larger with dining and kitchen since it’s an open area), and 10ft ceilings. I've attached a picture of my seating area. I’m probably around 60/40 on movies-to-music ratio. I’m not sure if a 7.1 system would make much of difference in an apartment? Will mixing surrounds be ok? Which of these do you think would be better……

Setup #1 (5.1):
-Pioneer Elite 53TX 5.1 Receiver (Free)
-Monitor 60s for fronts ($216 total – already bought)
-Polk CS2 center ($150 – going to buy)
-Polk Monitor 40s for rears ($150/pair)
-SVS Sub PC12 ($617)

Setup #2 (7.1):
-NEW Pioneer Elite 7.1 Receiver (probably around $400, not sure which one yet)
-Monitor 60s for fronts
-Polk CS2 center
-Energy 5.1 Take Classic System which is around $400 (using the four speakers as my four surround speakers)
-Using the 8” sub that comes with the Energy 5.1 system

Setup #3 (7.1):
-NEW Pioneer Elite 7.1 Receiver
-Monitor 60s for fronts
-Polk CS2 center
-Polk Monitor 40s for Surround Speakers
-Energy 5.1 Take Classic System (using two of the speakers as my two rear speakers)
-Using the 8” sub that comes with the Energy 5.1 system

Setup #4 (7.1): Though this is my last choice since the Monitor 40s are big and it would get too crowded to have four of them.
-NEW Pioneer Elite 7.1 Receiver
-Monitor 60s for fronts
-Polk CS2 center
-Monitor 40s for all four surrounds
-$250 towards a sub

Can I mix the Energy speakers with my Monitor speakers for the surrounds speakers? Will a 5.1 with full bookshelf speakers be as good as 7.1 of smaller speakers? Can I mix and match the surrounds. I’m lost.

Also, with the Polks CS2 being so big, I might not have room to put it in my shelf of the component cabinet that’s under my TV (old Pioneer Elite on a TV stand), so can I put it over the TV? It would be right above the TV, but that would put the bottom of the CS2 about a 1.5ft above the top of the Monitor60s. Or should I mount the TV on the wall, and put the CS2 under it on the component cabinet (where the TV was) which would put the CS2 right about at the middle height of the Monitor 60s? (Picture attached of setup)


Sorry about all the questions, I’ve just been reading so much that my head is about to explode, and I just need some help with people’s experiences and expertise. Thank you in advance!!

kawizx9r

Welcome to Club Polk get ready to empty your wallet multiple times!

chiefnet

kawizx9r wrote: »

Welcome to Club Polk get ready to empty your wallet multiple times!

Thanks Kawizx9r!! Man, you're right. I just bought the Mon60s, and thought that would be it. But then had to get a sub due to the lack of bass, and figured since I already have a Bluray player, must as well try to put something together now. Was going to get a quick cheap set up, but read about fronts and centers needing to be timbre matched, etc. It just keeps growing! Unfortunately, the funds aren't endless, so I will need to control what I get, and just want to get something that will sound great (given the size) in the apartment without it looking cluttered.

Shicks18

I would go setup #1 and in time upgrade the receiver to a new pioneer 7.1 and then add the rear surrounds. The Polk surrounds will be an upgrade to the Energy, and the SVS sub will be an infinite upgrade over the Energy sub.

You can mix the energy speakers for surrounds if you decide to go the 7.1 route.
You can hang the center channel speaker above the TV as well, make sure to angle it down a couple degrees though. With the pictures shown, I would hang the tv and put the center channel on the component rack.

It sounds like you have a good idea what you have planned ahead, so my advice is to upgrade piece by piece and get it right the first time. Don't cut corners just to complete the setup. A good 5.1 setup will crush any average 7.1 setup. The sub will make you smile every time you watch a movie.

hearingimpared

Welcome to Club Polk chiefnet.

comfortablycurt

I'd go for option #1 myself.

Keep in mind that you don't have to do it all at once. There's nothing wrong with putting your system together a piece at a time.

Get the CS2 first, then the Monitor 40 surrounds, then the SVS sub. After that, start saving up to upgrade to a newer Pioneer Elite AVR.

Just my $.02

chiefnet

Shicks18 wrote: »

I would go setup #1 and in time upgrade the receiver to a new pioneer 7.1 and then add the rear surrounds. The Polk surrounds will be an upgrade to the Energy, and the SVS sub will be an infinite upgrade over the Energy sub.

You can mix the energy speakers for surrounds if you decide to go the 7.1 route.
You can hang the center channel speaker above the TV as well, make sure to angle it down a couple degrees though. With the pictures shown, I would hang the tv and put the center channel on the component rack.

It sounds like you have a good idea what you have planned ahead, so my advice is to upgrade piece by piece and get it right the first time. Don't cut corners just to complete the setup. A good 5.1 setup will crush any average 7.1 setup. The sub will make you smile every time you watch a movie.

Thanks for the input Shicks! I was leaning towards what you said about the center channel being on the cabinet as well, and you solidified that.

Yea, I definitely don't want to cut corners. I just had read that the Energy system got a lot of great reviews, and since if I used them for the surrounds, got a new receiver, and with the wiring, stands, etc, it would only be $200 more for the 7.1 setup than the 5.1. I wasn't sure if I'd be missing effects and sounds if I went with the 5.1 instead of the 7.1? That's why I wasn't sure which way to go. I see that you have the HSU STF-2. How do you like that one? I was looking at that as well instead of the SVS PC12 since it was $200 less and I live in apartment (and will be for the next 2 years atleast). Wasn't sure if it's worth it to spend more for the SVS.

chiefnet

hearingimpared wrote: »

Welcome to Club Polk chiefnet.

Thanks Hearingimpared!! Glad to be here, everyone's been so helpful so far.

chiefnet

comfortablycurt wrote: »

I'd go for option #1 myself.

Keep in mind that you don't have to do it all at once. There's nothing wrong with putting your system together a piece at a time.

Get the CS2 first, then the Monitor 40 surrounds, then the SVS sub. After that, start saving up to upgrade to a newer Pioneer Elite AVR.

Just my $.02

ComfortablyCurt, thank you for your help! I know I don't have to get it all at once. I just saw that the Energy's had great ratings, so with the new receiver and all accessories, it would only be $200 more for Setup #2, and that's why I thought of that choice as well. If I go Setup #1, it will be at least another 2 years before I can go with the rear surrounds and new receiver, so wasn't sure if I'd lose anything with the 5.1 vs the 7.1. Do you think I'd be missing out by not going with the 7.1 system for the next few years?

Shicks18

The HSU STF-2 is more of musical sub than the SVS. Since you are predominantly HT, the SVS will be worthwhile and justify the extra $200 imo.

FittyFieFo

Yo chief, nice setup. What TV stand is that?

comfortablycurt

chiefnet wrote: »

ComfortablyCurt, thank you for your help! I know I don't have to get it all at once. I just saw that the Energy's had great ratings, so with the new receiver and all accessories, it would only be $200 more for Setup #2, and that's why I thought of that choice as well. If I go Setup #1, it will be at least another 2 years before I can go with the rear surrounds and new receiver, so wasn't sure if I'd lose anything with the 5.1 vs the 7.1. Do you think I'd be missing out by not going with the 7.1 system for the next few years?

Personally, I don't think you'll be missing out on much by sticking with 5.1. Right now, most releases are still being encoded in 5.1. Most AVR's can matrix in the surround back channels, but it's not a huge difference IMO. I think that you'd get more improvement by going with better pieces elsewhere in your system first, and then jumping to 7.1 further down the road.

Another thing to keep in mind with 7.1, is that a properly placed 5.1 setup is going to sound better than an improperly placed 7.1 setup. Make sure that you have the space to properly place all the speakers if you decide to go with 7.1. Judging by the pictures in your first post, you wouldn't be able to properly place surround back speakers behind the couch. Ideally they need to be at least 3-4 feet behind your listening position.

Until the time comes when 7.1 is the standard format, I won't be too worried about setting up a 7.1 system. I used to run my HT in 7.1, but I've since moved back to 5.1, and don't really miss the extra two channels. I'll throw the surround backs in the mix again eventually, but probably not anytime real soon.




Also, for some great bang for the buck subs, check out Epik.

http://www.epiksubwoofers.com/

Pycroft

+1 to Curt's post on 5.1 v. 7.1. You won't miss 7.1, especially if you've never had it. Like he said...even some of the newer blu-ray's aren't encoded 7.1 yet, and when I hear them in 5.1, it sounds FANTASTIC. Good luck on the purchases!

Pycroft

mdk5068

+1


wow they really have a 4 char minimum on postings?

comfortablycurt wrote: »

I'd go for option #1 myself.

Keep in mind that you don't have to do it all at once. There's nothing wrong with putting your system together a piece at a time.

Get the CS2 first, then the Monitor 40 surrounds, then the SVS sub. After that, start saving up to upgrade to a newer Pioneer Elite AVR.

Just my $.02

jacob.simpson

Setup #1 (5.1):
-Pioneer Elite 53TX 5.1 Receiver (Free)
-Monitor 60s for fronts ($216 total – already bought)
-Polk CS2 center ($150 – going to buy)
-Polk Monitor 40s for rears ($150/pair)
-SVS Sub PC12 ($617)

It surely will turn out a good set up. Try newegg.com, frys.com, onecall.com and polk eBay direct for good prices on the above. except for svs ofcourse, and take my word a bug/ Virus known as ugradities already would have gotten into you.:D Welcome to the Team.

concealer404

Another vote for #1 here.

I've never run more than a 6.1 setup, myself, and that was really just because i had an extra pair of speakers lying around. Didn't notice much difference.

Paden501

I don't think you'll miss anything with 5.1. I had a 6.1 system for years and honestly on most DVDs you didn't even hear the 6th channel at all (the lord of the rings movies being the exception). In fact, when I moved I never even hooked the rear surround channel back up.

Go for the best quality speakers that you can afford, otherwise you'll be doing it all over again later.

svtjoe

I must say though... It does seem more and more Blu ray is coming out with 7.1 DTS-MA.


And when all 7 speakers are working, it is an awesome feeling. Completly surrounded with creaks, screams, and noises..its awesome.

7.1 will be the future with all Blu rays.

Is it worth the extra time and expense now, mabey...all depends on what you are looking for and how much jack you have in your pocket.



Thanks,

Joe

Grimster74

Option #1 sounds like a good start. Remember, great things come to those that wait.

Rob

chiefnet

Shicks18 wrote: »

The HSU STF-2 is more of musical sub than the SVS. Since you are predominantly HT, the SVS will be worthwhile and justify the extra $200 imo.

Thanks for the feedback Shicks. I think I will go with the SVS-PC12 then.

FittyFieFo wrote: »

Yo chief, nice setup. What TV stand is that?

Thanks Fitty. I can't remember the name of the stand, got it about 5 years ago. I got it from a store called ABC Warehouse. It's a Michigan based store (with a few scattered in Ohio and Indiana). You can haggle with pricing at the store, and I got the stand for $170 or $190, can't remember exactly. I had looked EVERYWHERE (including online) for a stand that would fit all my components, and I wanted to keep it a contemporary black theme, and that was the only place I found something (for cheap).

chiefnet

comfortablycurt wrote: »

Personally, I don't think you'll be missing out on much by sticking with 5.1. Right now, most releases are still being encoded in 5.1. Most AVR's can matrix in the surround back channels, but it's not a huge difference IMO. I think that you'd get more improvement by going with better pieces elsewhere in your system first, and then jumping to 7.1 further down the road.

Another thing to keep in mind with 7.1, is that a properly placed 5.1 setup is going to sound better than an improperly placed 7.1 setup. Make sure that you have the space to properly place all the speakers if you decide to go with 7.1. Judging by the pictures in your first post, you wouldn't be able to properly place surround back speakers behind the couch. Ideally they need to be at least 3-4 feet behind your listening position.

Until the time comes when 7.1 is the standard format, I won't be too worried about setting up a 7.1 system. I used to run my HT in 7.1, but I've since moved back to 5.1, and don't really miss the extra two channels. I'll throw the surround backs in the mix again eventually, but probably not anytime real soon.




Also, for some great bang for the buck subs, check out Epik.

http://www.epiksubwoofers.com/

Thanks a lot for your feedback Curt. It definitely swayed me towards the 5.1, especially since I don't have the min 3ft to 4 ft behind me. I thought I could just wall mount two rears, but if it's not going to sound good, then I should probably stick with the 5.1 with bigger bookshelves then.

I had checked out Epik, but it was a little out of my price range budget for subs. I'm stretching it a little thin with the SVS, but since I'm probably not going 7.1, it saves me a little dough.

Pycroft wrote: »

+1 to Curt's post on 5.1 v. 7.1. You won't miss 7.1, especially if you've never had it. Like he said...even some of the newer blu-ray's aren't encoded 7.1 yet, and when I hear them in 5.1, it sounds FANTASTIC. Good luck on the purchases!

Pycroft

Thanks Pycroft!

mdk5068 wrote: »

+1


wow they really have a 4 char minimum on postings?

Thanks for the feedback mdk!

jacob.simpson wrote: »

Setup #1 (5.1):
-Pioneer Elite 53TX 5.1 Receiver (Free)
-Monitor 60s for fronts ($216 total – already bought)
-Polk CS2 center ($150 – going to buy)
-Polk Monitor 40s for rears ($150/pair)
-SVS Sub PC12 ($617)

It surely will turn out a good set up. Try newegg.com, frys.com, onecall.com and polk eBay direct for good prices on the above. except for svs ofcourse, and take my word a bug/ Virus known as ugradities already would have gotten into you.:D Welcome to the Team.

Thanks for the feedack and Welcome Jacob! It seems like Newegg has been having some great sales on Polks, so I've been stocking up there. I already got the bug. I was going to just get two cheap speakers for my bedroom, but then saw the Mon 60s at Newegg on sale, and it was it all over after that, the beginning to the never ending!

concealer404 wrote: »

Another vote for #1 here.

I've never run more than a 6.1 setup, myself, and that was really just because i had an extra pair of speakers lying around. Didn't notice much difference.

Thanks for the feedback Concealer!

Paden501 wrote: »

I don't think you'll miss anything with 5.1. I had a 6.1 system for years and honestly on most DVDs you didn't even hear the 6th channel at all (the lord of the rings movies being the exception). In fact, when I moved I never even hooked the rear surround channel back up.

Go for the best quality speakers that you can afford, otherwise you'll be doing it all over again later.

Thanks Paden. I was wondering about the 6.1 setup as well, but maybe I'll just stick with the 5.1 for now.

svtjoe wrote: »

I must say though... It does seem more and more Blu ray is coming out with 7.1 DTS-MA.


And when all 7 speakers are working, it is an awesome feeling. Completly surrounded with creaks, screams, and noises..its awesome.

7.1 will be the future with all Blu rays.

Is it worth the extra time and expense now, mabey...all depends on what you are looking for and how much jack you have in your pocket.



Thanks,

Joe

Ah man, Joe, you had to go throw in the wrench with the 7.1! Kidding, thanks for the feedback. Unfortunately, I'm on a tight budget, and none of this was even budgeted for this year. I haven't bought much stuff for myself lately, so thought I'd give myself an early xmas present. I would love to go 7.1, but from the feedback I got here, I may not have the ideal setup, especially for the rears since they have to be atleast 3ft back.

Grimster74 wrote: »

Option #1 sounds like a good start. Remember, great things come to those that wait.

Rob

Thanks Rob. I get the saying, I am just not a patient man when it comes to electronics. It's like a drug to me, I can't get enough, and not fast enough!