polk newbie - please suggest receiver and modifcations to speakers

[raavango]

Hello

I am a newbie and NOT an audiophile. I was in the market for a HT sytem and I bought a Polk speaker system from our local audio store because it was on a good deal and the sales guy was raving about it. That is how much I know.

The speaker package is

2 Polk Monitor 30s
2 Polk Monitor 40s
One Center Channel Polk CS1
One Polk PSW10 Subwoofer

Can you audio gurus kindly suggest on the following

1 - What receiver should I buy to drive these speakers. It is 5.1 now but I will try to expand later. 5.1 receivers are fine but 6.1 or 7.1 suggestions are also welcome. Please suggest a high end and low end receiver if you can!

2 - Also, should I replace any components of the above package with an upgrade in speakers, center or subwoofer to get better quality. (I can always sell the above components individually because they came in individual boxes)


I live in an apartment, the TV room is 18x18 but 22x22 if I include the dining room and kitchen which are kind of combined with this living room.

I can afford $1000-$1500 system but I would not know the difference. So I bought this value speaker system. But if you think there is going to be a quality difference and long term value please suggest high end stuff also. If not something in the same range as the above speaker system would be fine.

Thanks a lot for your help! I promise to contribute when I become an expert on this stuff.

[shack]

There are moderately priced AV recievers from Denon, Yamaha or Harman Kardon that would work well with your speakers. There are several more brands but these seem to be the favorites here at Club Polk. I prefer Denon but there are many fans of the other brands. Look for these brands in your area and see what features you like in your price range as the sound quality of this level of AVR is not going to vary much.

Your speakers are a very good entry level setup, espcially for an apartment. IMO your weak link for a true home theater is the sub. There are much better choices that can be found it the $300-$450 range from companies such as HSU, Adire Audio, Dayton (Parts Express), Velodyne and even SVS has an entry level sub. Many of these companies are direct internet sales only, but there is a lot of information and on the net. I might consider and upgrade of the center but only after the sub. A search on this forum alone would give you quite a bit of reading material on the AVRs and subs mentioned. You might also want to check out www.hometheaterforum.com for information on many of the brands I listed. Good luck.

[Willow]

A lot of shops are clearing out last years models, I have seen in CAD HK235 599$ the 335 for 899$. Also if you can wait say 4 more days lots of places will have boxing day sales.

[danger boy]

You're on your way to a really good sounding set up.. since you are in an apt.. I think your set up is fine. As for receivers.. what shack recommended is the same way I would approch this too.

good luck and enjoy

[sickicw]

this one is on sale from crutchfield.com for $300 off while supplies last...
Denon AVR-3805

[cfrizz]

Hi Raavango welcome!

Whatever receiver you get make sure it has pre-outs so that you can add separate amplification if you so choose. It's always nice to have upgrade options.

My personal favorite is also Denon. By all means check out the 3805 it will have everything you need & then some!

[CaptainMurphy]

You could also look at the onkyo txsr703 it has 100 watts per channel at a decent THD and will push your speakers just fine sense they onnly handle a hundred some watts. It also has a ton of connections and options even has a built in xm tuner.

[raavango]

thanks for all the replies guys - appreciate it.

[MSkeezer]

I'm all about HK's. I'd check out the AVR-235 or 335. They'll provide plenty of power to your Polks. Onkyo also makes great products. I agree about the sub. It's got some punch but there are better subs out there. Check out Outlaw's LFM 2. It's only $299. I think it would also be benificial to move the CS1 to the back as a 6th surround speaker and getting CS2.