Advice on Monitor 70's and a CS20 in a 3.0 setup

NameThatUser

I'd like to use a two monitor 70's as fronts and a CS20 as a center speaker for a 3.0 setup. Source would be a HTPC that hopefully would have optical out to a receiver and a s-video to a TV (till I upgrade the TV and video card)

This will be for music playback and obviously some movie and TV (internet) watching...

So, would any one here recommend against this kind of setup? I might consider adding some side speakers later and moving to a 5.0 or 5.1 setup. But for now, this 3.0 is what I am looking into. What budget receivers would push this rather well(, taking into consideration that PC and TV components will be upgraded in the near future)?

dane_peterson

You can use most entry level receivers to power that setup without much trouble... but I'd probably encourage you to just do 2-channel until you upgrade to 5 channel. There's not much purpose in doing multi-channel sound if it doesn't incorporate rears. (Just my opinion anyway--I'm sure others would like the lateral transition.)

This way, you just get a simple stereo receiver with an optical input. When you switch to surround, you can use that stereo receiver for another room. Keep in mind that of all electronics, your AVR will go obsolete the quickest. So save that until you're ready to have it all.

Another thing on that note, you can save some money on both the receiver and speakers using this route... and put it aside to fund a TV upgrade!

cnh

That's not a bad idea...but you can pick up a really cheap set of rears for well under 100 dollars a pair....so why not get a Harman Kardon AVR254 or the equivalent...it has pre-outs that would allow you to run a power amp later on which would improve 2-channel quite a bit, even on the Monitor 70s....and still allow you to run in 3.0.

I know a number of people that run only three speakers and are OK with it. Heck I've even run such a set up now and then in my office...it does give you a wider sound field, and you can use faux Dolby surround effects to create the illusion of rears with most Dolby receivers.

So I'd think you'd be fine, especially if you're thinking about HT down the road...this set will last you a while as well.

cnh

NewHTguy

I'm mostly two-channel but found that I missed the center when it came to dialogue. Without a center I was constantly turning the volume up to hear dialogue and then down when there were explosions or other sound effects. Even if you never bother with rears I would go for the center.

Ern Dog

NewHTguy wrote: »

I'm mostly two-channel but found that I missed the center when it came to dialogue. Without a center I was constantly turning the volume up to hear dialogue and then down when there were explosions or other sound effects. Even if you never bother with rears I would go for the center.

Agreed. Keep the 3 speakers and get an AVR with pre-outs.

cnh

Oh..and we forgot, sorry...to welcome you to Club Polk!!


cnh

mrbofus

cnh wrote: »

That's not a bad idea...but you can pick up a really cheap set of rears for well under 100 dollars a pair....so why not get a Harman Kardon AVR254 or the equivalent...it has pre-outs that would allow you to run a power amp later on which would improve 2-channel quite a bit, even on the Monitor 70s....and still allow you to run in 3.0.

I know a number of people that run only three speakers and are OK with it. Heck I've even run such a set up now and then in my office...it does give you a wider sound field, and you can use faux Dolby surround effects to create the illusion of rears with most Dolby receivers.

So I'd think you'd be fine, especially if you're thinking about HT down the road...this set will last you a while as well.

cnh

Welcome to the club.
I am in the same situation. My new HDTV sound isnt all that great and have been listening in stereo. It does ad depth but still lacks dialog so a center is next for me. I was wondering about running fronts and center too. It sounds like it's not a problem, then add rear when the $$ are available.
ps. stick around and you'll learn alot form these guys (and gals)

kp1706

I noticed in the most recent Music Direct Catalog that they had a few classical music SACD's that were three channel. First time I had ever seen that.

NameThatUser

Thank you all for the great responses. I'm happy to have joined the club having lurked over some Polk speakers for quite some time now. I am purchasing my monitor 70's tonight and looking into which center to expand with (CS2 or CS20.)

It is interesting how some have suggested an AVR with pre-outs, since I thought that purchasing external amps would be rather costly. This does raise an interesting thought, since I am a big fan of powered studio monitors (looking at some low cost Mackie MR8's now for my iMac) and had never thought of running the signal through an AVR prior to the sound.

This is great insight. Thank you my fellows for the warm welcome. It looks like I'll be reading over these forms in-depth.

NameThatUser

Oh, before I click 'buy' on this 3.0 setup, is there any reason I should get the Monitor 70's over the 60's or 50's if I am not going to push them with over 100 watts? I really like the idea of having the most full range out of my fronts as possible, but not sure if it's worth it if I can get more speakers with a 3.1 setup (or 5.1 for that matter with 60's fronts, 50/40's sides, a CS2 and a sub). Would it make more sense to get the smaller monitors for my fronts, get a kicking center and then add a sub too?

NewHTguy

NameThatUser wrote: »

Oh, before I click 'buy' on this 3.0 setup, is there any reason I should get the Monitor 70's over the 60's or 50's if I am not going to push them with over 100 watts? I really like the idea of having the most full range out of my fronts as possible, but not sure if it's worth it if I can get more speakers with a 3.1 setup (or 5.1 for that matter with 60's fronts, 50/40's sides, a CS2 and a sub). Would it make more sense to get the smaller monitors for my fronts, get a kicking center and then add a sub too?

Based on your first post, it sounds as if music is a fairly high priority. I would go with the best fronts you can afford and leave some money for a center. No number of speakers will make music/stereo sound better. You can take your time adding the surrounds, if you ever do. Personally, I don't need high quality surround speakers to hear an explosion or rain or clapping when watching Conan. Just my humble opinion.

NameThatUser

Perfect, that is what I was thining too. I appreciate it.

mrbofus

NameThatUser wrote: »

Thank you all for the great responses. I'm happy to have joined the club having lurked over some Polk speakers for quite some time now. I am purchasing my monitor 70's tonight and looking into which center to expand with (CS2 or CS20.)

It is interesting how some have suggested an AVR with pre-outs, since I thought that purchasing external amps would be rather costly. This does raise an interesting thought, since I am a big fan of powered studio monitors (looking at some low cost Mackie MR8's now for my iMac) and had never thought of running the signal through an AVR prior to the sound.

This is great insight. Thank you my fellows for the warm welcome. It looks like I'll be reading over these forms in-depth.

As stated earlier, I too am in the same situation. I believe that you will find most all here will recommend a AVR with pre-outs like the H/K. I struggled with this myself and after lots of discussion pro and con I had made up my mind that ever though I didnt need the pre's right now I probably would down the road.
I was ready to purchase the H/K 354 then my wife (bless her) suprised me with a new Onkyo that I originally wanted. The Onk doesnt have pre-s but it lots better than what I had. Time will tell but once again pre-outs are highly recommended in this forum.
Enjoy

cnh

A decent 2 channel power amp that is worth more than a 1000 dollars can be had on the used market for 300 or less (or more). That's why we suggest the pre-s

It's not that expensive if you go used. Also, it is true that if you're happy with HT and your set up is good....you may just be satisfied and stop there...but most of us have the illness---Audiosis Upgraditis

cnh

mrbofus

cnh wrote: »

A decent 2 channel power amp that is worth more than a 1000 dollars can be had on the used market for 300 or less (or more). That's why we suggest the pre-s

It's not that expensive if you go used. Also, it is true that if you're happy with HT and your set up is good....you may just be satisfied and stop there...but most of us have the illness---Audiosis Upgraditis

cnh

Audiosis Upgraditis spreads fast and takes over your rational thought process and wallet. I am just getting started and already am inflicted with the upgraditis virus.
good advise to look at used. Thanks

MrGlobe

I think there are many strands of the upgrade virus, varying degrees and what not. Its easy to catch and undoubtedly expensive to get rid of.

And once it's gone, its never gone for long