Experienced advice on a $500-$600 beginner setup please

SWLaser · July 2009

Hey, I have about $500-$600 to spend on a 5.1 home theater audio setup. Here was what I was thinking:

-Harmon Kardon AVR 254 or 347
-CS1 center
-Monitor 30s fronts and surrounds
-PSW110, 125, or 505b

Uses:
Regular DVD movies (possible upgrade to blu-ray once funds allow)
Xbox 360
PC gaming
Music

Screens (already own these):
1024x768 projector
720p 32" LCD
1920x1200 24" LCD

I like volume to be similar to what it is at the theater (Cinemark to be specific). I don't mean actual volume on speakers 'cus I know my room is smaller so volume's a lot lower, I mean decibels experienced in my ear canal.

I'm just wondering if anything in this setup is under-/overdoing it compared to the other components, and just general opinions on if this should sound pretty good and hit the volume I specified earlier with ease. Keep in mind my budget is limited. Additionally, remember I'm not an experienced audiophile, I'm used to wearing earbuds and ~$100 headphones.

Also, on the subs and receivers, I need some advice on which one to choose-

-What's different between the AVR 254 and 347?

-Will either or both receivers be able to power the speakers to volumes above the earlier specified, and if so, by how much?

-On the subs, will the lower frequencies be reachable with the cheapest (PSW110) or only the more expensive one?

-Will all the subs be able to match the volume on the monitor 30's? i.e. bass won't be underwhelming.

-Will the crossover on the sub match up with the monitor 30's so I have a full frequency range?

Thanks for any advice and comments.

kawizx9r · July 2009

Welcome to Club Polk!

I'll try and answer your question regarding sub's/etc based on experience. Subwoofers have a volume/gain control so if you ever feel your speakers might be overwhelmed by a sub, you can always tone it down or adjust from your pre/pro. Also as far as covering the full frequency range, the sub youre looking at is a good choice but it won't hit the deepest of lows and that does require some coin but its not to say that the PSW110 won't satisfy your needs. When it comes to covering a wide range, towers would be better candidates that can reproduce a much wider frequency range (towers not required but either that or a good pair of bookshelves). I utilize 2 subwoofers to cover my lows, my Polk PSW10 for the 'higher' bass frequencies and my Velodyne CHT-12 for the 'lower' frequencies and it blends in so well to my setup. It all requires PROPER placement and fine tuning to achieve exceptional results. Good luck to ya and get ready to spend more than you intended

SWLaser · July 2009

Oh, forgot to mention, there are two possible rooms for it:

-18x12 "bedroom" on first floor
-14x40 basement, but I'd only be using half that room so 14x20 for the theater setup.

:-)

kawizx9r · July 2009

I might have to suggest a larger sub then, or 2 of those above mentioned. Just my opinion

SWLaser · July 2009

Alright, thanks for the quick replies

Think maybe the psw505 would suffice?

nguyendot · July 2009

I'd go for a PSW1200

SWLaser · July 2009

If you can find me one for $150, then sure haha

kawizx9r · July 2009

I'll find ya the power cord for that thing for 100 bucks lol...realistically speaking though you're gonna have to spend a little more coin unless you can score a deal on something used somewhere. If you were nearby I'd let you pick up the velodyne, selling both of mine so I can get something else.

SWLaser · July 2009

Sorry, I'm in Salt Lake City haha. And I know a guy who works for Harman who can get me either receiver for cheap. Plus I'm patient and watchful

I'm planning on buying refurbished stuff that way it's cheap, but warrantied heheh.

kawizx9r · July 2009

Nice, I havent seen the 347 but I know the 254 has pre amp out's in case you want to upgrade in the future and keep the same AVR. So really all you're looking for is a decent sub at a good price. As far as the speakers go, some my opt you to go with a bigger speaker given the larger room.

SWLaser · July 2009

Would the Harman receivers have enough to power bigger speakers at the volume I desired? Could they power something like monitor 70's?

SWLaser · July 2009

I was thinking since it's only 5.1 with my planned setup, that gives me a chance to see if monitor 30's are enough. If so yay, if not, I can buy two better fronts and move the 4 monitors to surrounds and go 7.1

Matt34 · July 2009

With that budget I would suggest starting with a 2.0 or 2.1 setup and adding to it over time as you can.

I would suggest the Monitor 40's for more output over the 30's and a pair of TCS (the speaker company) ASW-8 subwoofers. Don't let the price fool you, these are some good performers to 30hz especially for $99/ea. It's basically a rebadged Energy subwoofer that retailed for $400.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882290010

http://www.thespeakercompany.com/ASW-8-8-Subwoofer-P61C17.aspx

SWLaser · July 2009

Oh btw matt, reason I'm going straight for a 5.1 is for gaming. The ability to tell where enemies are is pretty important for me heheh.

Matt34 · July 2009

SWLaser wrote: »

Oh btw matt, reason I'm going straight for a 5.1 is for gaming. The ability to tell where enemies are is pretty important for me heheh.

Check this package out then:

http://www.thespeakercompany.com/PLCR161-HT8-P102C36.aspx

SivaNevets · July 2009

SWLaser wrote: »

Oh btw matt, reason I'm going straight for a 5.1 is for gaming. The ability to tell where enemies are is pretty important for me heheh.

for serious competitive FPS gaming, a nice headphone with good sound stage has much precise imaging than speakers.

but yes, 5.1 speakers bring much better experience though, they have so much more energy

SWLaser · July 2009

Allow me to clarify, I'm not only buying the system for gaming

That's just why I want to go 5.1 over 2.1. I don't like headphones so much cus I can't talk to the people in the room while I play, and they make ears sore after a few hours.

nguyendot · July 2009

SWLaser wrote: »

Allow me to clarify, I'm not only buying the system for gaming That's just why I want to go 5.1 over 2.1. I don't like headphones so much cus I can't talk to the people in the room while I play, and they make ears sore after a few hours.

And for that reason I will always be able to sneak up on you with my headphones

Conradicles · July 2009

Matt34 wrote: »

Check this package out then:

http://www.thespeakercompany.com/PLCR161-HT8-P102C36.aspx

That is a sweet little system for the price.:cool:

nguyendot · July 2009

My brother just bought this setup for my dad's birthday:

http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/features/542120734/mirage-omni-550-ch

Bottom right for $499. I know its a little high but it sounds great and looks sweet in cherry. No sub though!

comfortablycurt · July 2009

I'd go for the CS2 for the center channel myself. The center channel carries roughly 50% of a movies soundtrack, and the majority of the dialogue. It's a very crucial speaker...the CS2 is a MUCH better performer than the CS1.

I'd also spring for the Monitor 40's for the fronts. Go for the 505 for the sub. It will walk all over the other two you mentioned.

Just my $.02

If you can't buy it all at once...then buy it in stages. You'll be much happier with the end results if you just take the time to do it right.

AudioGenics · July 2009

check and search the For Sale (FS) forum
lots of great deals there.

TECHNOKID · July 2009

SWLaser wrote: »

Oh, forgot to mention, there are two possible rooms for it:

-18x12 "bedroom" on first floor
-14x40 basement, but I'd only be using half that room so 14x20 for the theater setup.

:-)

18x12, the PSW110 should satisfy your needs (marginal... Don't confuse the 110 and the 10). However, if you use the larger 14x20 room you should go to a larger subwoofer.

comfortablycurt wrote: »

I'd go for the CS2 for the center channel myself. The center channel carries roughly 50% of a movies soundtrack, and the majority of the dialogue. It's a very crucial speaker...the CS2 is a MUCH better performer than the CS1.

I'd also spring for the Monitor 40's for the fronts. Go for the 505 for the sub. It will walk all over the other two you mentioned.

Just my $.02

If you can't buy it all at once...then buy it in stages. You'll be much happier with the end results if you just take the time to do it right.

For your larger room, I would definitely follow his advice and go bigger! You are better to built your self a good 2.1 set-up with your budget and later add the missing speakers as budget allow you.

jvc wrote: »

check and search the For Sale (FS) forum
lots of great deals there.

Shop around, check for good deals on CP's FS as suggested. Check Polk Ebay store for good deals on new and/or refurbished. Don't forget the PSW505 shouldn't cost you really much more than the 110 or 125 since it is a vintage and should be going at clearance pricing allowing you to get more (than 110 or 125) for your money!

Good luck/shopping!
TK

wutadumsn23 · July 2009

SWLaser wrote: »

Would the Harman receivers have enough to power bigger speakers at the volume I desired? Could they power something like monitor 70's?

Yes, the 70's have an operating range from 20-275W so pretty much any AVR around will have no problem running the 70's. Maybe not to their full potential, but make sure the AVR has pre-outs and you will be covered in the future as foar as adding external amps to bring them to life. Just be careful with the volume or you will damage them. I agree with the guys though on the Monitor 40's over the 30's. Buy it in stages, the AVR and maybe the 40's and the center. Then add some more 40's for surrounds and the sub. Be patient and do it right the first time, no bigger mistake than rushing and 3 months later wanting to buy what you should have done in the first place. This "hobby" is very much an addiction and you WILL want to upgrade so do yourself a favor and do it right the first time, no matter how long it takes, lol. Welcom to Club Polk.

-Jeff

Marty913 · July 2009

I think either receiver would be OK but the 254 would be the better choice (HDMI 1.3 versus 1.1). I also believe the 47 has the older GUI and doesn't do up-conversion. The 354 would solve all those problems and come close to the 47 in power. Not sure about the volume you're looking for but that may be more determined by the speakers than the HK. The 254 is only 50 watts per but it is a real live 50 watts with all channels driven. With reasonably efficient 8 ohm speakers like you are considering, you should be fine. Plus, you have the pre-outs so you can always throw an external amp into the mix.

SWLaser · July 2009

Thanks for all the inputs. I was thinking of getting the receiver (no one seems to think either is bad) and the monitor 30s to start out in 2.0 just to test those out. If they aren't good enough as fronts for me, then I can get something better and they should suffice as surrounds or at worst a nice pair of speakers to rig into another room in the house.

Experienced advice on a $500-$600 beginner setup please

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