Looking for a new audio setup

fallennomad

Hello everyone,

I am looking to upgrade my audio setup. I am currently using the Logitech Z-5500's with some really really old JVC bookshelf speakers (from probably 10+ years ago lol). I used to use Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 speakers, and I really liked the sound: it seemed more "full" than the Logitechs.

I am using the audio system with a computer equipped with the Sound Blaster X-Fi sound card. I will also be hooking up a PS3 to it. I use this computer for everything: gaming, music, and movies.

Anyway, my budget is around $400-$500. The room I am using it in is a smallish bedroom, maybe 10x15, but I am sitting in front of the computer 90% of the time so that's the performance I'm worried about (not so much about filling the room). I am not sure if this makes much of a difference, but my walls are drywall and my floor is low pile carpet (flat like an office).

On NewEgg, I can get the Yamaha 5.1-Channel Digital Home Theater Receiver RX-V365 for $150, which seems to suit my needs. I am not so sure if 100W is enough, but I am sure that it does better than the Logitech.

I am thinking I will get the Monitor 40's with the CS1. This brings the total to $370. I feel that I can skimp on the rear speakers for now, buy them at a later date: I don't really have the room to properly place a pair of good ones anyway (floor stands aren't convenient as my dresser is right behind me and the wall is blocked by a bookshelf).

I believe I prefer a warmer sound. You know how it sounds like in a movie theater? I like it like that. Do you suppose that this would be a suitable setup given my room and usage?

Thanks for any advice or insight you can give me, I appreciate it!

fallennomad

Perhaps I have posted in the wrong part of the forums? I am looking for advice on how the CS1 with Monitor 40's would sound with 100W compared to the Logitech Z-5500s.

Erik Tracy

Welcome to Club Polk!

I don't have any direct experience w/ your Logitech setup - but based on my expert internet experience ( ) your proposed change to Monitor 40s and CS1 will give you a big step up in sound quality.

The Logitech package does have a sub - not sure of the quality - never heard one.

But you could get a Polk Sub from their eBay direct site for a really good value.

100W receiver should be fine for a small room.

Tony M

Do you have cash or are you going to charge a new system?

Your going the right route if your charging... but in the used forum here you could get alot more bang for your $ buying used gear. Saving $$$$ is the way I like to aquire gear and speakers.

I'm still glad you want MORE but the "Rabbit hole is deep and wide" enjoy your ride.:D

mikedup2003

I say why bother with getting the m40's then pay another $100 on stands for them. A better choice would be to get the floorstanding 50, 60 or if you can swing it grab the 70's. Newegg has sales quite often on polks. I think the 70's would come closer to that sound you want considering they have more range. However polk's in general tend to be on the bright side.

Advise- listen to as many speakers as you can before buying. The worst wallet crusher is buyers remorse.

Tony M

Yep, see if you can listen to some speakers firsthand. And also with some similar gear that you might be getting to power them...;)

fallennomad

Thanks for the welcome and all the advice!

Erik Tracy, I totally forgot about the subwoofer

Right now, I feel like the Logitech system relies too much on the subwoofer: the mids don't sound that great to me. I'm not sure, but if I prefer rich mids, and care all that much about bass, should I be looking at full-range speakers? Also, can I use full-range speakers with a subwoofer (or perhaps that is ill-advised)?

I am trying to fiscally responsible, so I will certainly look into buying used gear here on the forums, thank you tony millard for that tip.

mikedup2003, I am a little hesitant about Polks now as I prefer warmer tones with a nice healthy mid-range. The thing is, I don't trust going to Best Buy (the only place I might even be able to listen to Polks) for my listening experience. For one, I've heard that the setups are just awful. Secondly, I just don't trust that it's going to sound the same when I take it home.

I do know that I like the way Bose sounded the last time I was at Best Buy (but like I said, everything sounds the same there ), but I get the impression that they are overpriced and you don't get as much bang for your buck compared to Polk. Plus, I've heard much better things about Polk

cnh

WELCOME TO CLUB POLK!!

Personally, I drop the Yamaha AVR and get myself a comparable Onkyo....they just sound better with M-series Polks IMO.

Enjoy...

cnh

wutadumsn23

+1 C, Polk Monitors and Onkyos are a very good combination. As said above, anything you get will probably sound better than the setup you have now, just gotta figure how much speaker you want. The higher you climb up the ladder in the Monitor series, the better performance and overall sound you will get, obviously. I am at the top of the food chain in the Monitor series with my 70's and I couldn't happier, and I bought them before Newegg started "giving them away" at the prices they have on them from time to time. I also had the 40's as surrounds a few months back, and I was very happy with their sound as well, I even ran them up front a few times to see how they would do and I wasn't dissapointed. Try to get your ears on them (however possible) and decide for yourself, although I don't think BB stocks the M series anymore, just the TSi's. Get a decent sub with whatever you decide to purchase and you will be good to go. Good luck, and welcome to Club Polk.

-Jeff

Tony M

warmer tones with a healthy midrange...

Try to hear PSB's ...or KEF's... NHT's
Or you could turn the treble down a touch for POLK's.

The older ones are cheaper hear and there but Audio Advisor has them on sale all the time.
The PSB's that is. Also their NHT's will accomodate your preference of tones.

+2 on Onkyo receivers and amps mating with Polk audio speakers.

overwilhelmed

Not to hijack a thread here but what is Onkyo's characteristic sound and why does it mate well with Polks? Does this include the RTi line?

cnh

You're right. You should start a new thread. The Onkyo tends toward a more neutral, strong tight bass, clear mids, slightly rolled off highs but enough detail--they have good power and decent dynamics...can get a tad bright on digital sources with 'some' speakers. But yeah! It would sound FINE with Rtis....go out and listen for yourself. I will also say that the higher up you move on the Onkyo food chain the less 'bright' the AVR gets...it is not very bright to begin with but even less so when you give its WRAT amp design more POWER. Yamahas until you get up well over 1000 dollars are all much brighter.

fallennomad

Wow, I am definitely uninitiated to the audio world: I have never even heard of "PSB's ...or KEF's... NHT's" lol.

Hmm...looks like I will be keeping my eyes peeled for Onkyo receivers.

Does anyone have any experience comparing Klipsch's with Polk? To my ears the Klipsch ProMedia's aren't that bright and have that warmth I like. What do you guys think about full-range speakers, can I use them with a sub?

Which brings me to my next question: any suggestions on a sub? I have spent so much time looking into speakers that I have entirely forgotten about the sub