System upgrades

[Jimbo64]

I am starting this thread to get imput from experienced users so that it will be easier for me to make my decisions without wasting money for little or no improvement on my entertainment system. I primarily use my system for movies/surround sound.

My current system consists of:
Denon AVR-4800
All speakers are Polk.
Sub: PSW650
Center: CS1000P
Front: RT2000I
Surround: FX500i

I intend to upgrade:
Receiver to the AVR4806
Surround: LSiFX
Front: LSi25
I am not sure that it would be worthwhile to upgrade my PSW650 to the PSW1000 or not.

Unfortunately there are no businesses locally (Seattle) where I can compare. Does anyone have experience with these options or imput?:confused:

[halo]

I am starting this thread to get imput from experienced users so that it will be easier for me to make my decisions without wasting money for little or no improvement on my entertainment system. I primarily use my system for movies/surround sound.

My current system consists of:
Denon AVR-4800
All speakers are Polk.
Sub: PSW650
Center: CS1000P
Front: RT2000I
Surround: FX500i

I intend to upgrade:
Receiver to the AVR4806
Surround: LSiFX
Front: LSi25
I am not sure that it would be worthwhile to upgrade my PSW650 to the PSW1000 or not.

Unfortunately there are no businesses locally (Seattle) where I can compare. Does anyone have experience with these options or imput?:confused:Forget about Polk subs. Go for SVS (http://www.svsound.com/products-sub.cfm), HSU (http://www.hsuresearch.com/), or Outlaw (http://www.outlawaudio.com/) subwoofers instead. Welcome to the Club! :)

[Jimbo64]

Thank you Halo!
I will researcg those subs. Did you think the surround ant upgrades were good or have no opinion?

[halo]

What's the diff between the Denons? If you want more power & cleaner sound take the dough you were going to spend on a new Denon AVR and get some separate amplification. Outlaw is an excellent place to start. It all depends on how much you want to spend. What other Polk's do you currently own?

[Jimbo64]

Just the ones listed on my original thread. My understanding is that the LS series is better for more natural imaging (ie dvd movies) where the RT series are better for music

[Jimbo64]

The problem eith my Denon is that it's technology is about ten years so it doesn't have the codecs or able to process the various movie formats

[Early B.]

Your speakers are fine. I would suggest that you focus on upgrading the receiver and buying a killer sub. Don't spend too much on money a reciever. Just make sure it has pre-outs.

Once you make those two changes, re-evaluate your system. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. Nevertheless, if you're eventually gonna go for the Lsi series, you'll need separate amplification.

What is your budget and room size?

[Jimbo64]

The 'room' is about 14X13 . It's an open floor plan so the entertainment (family room) actually has three walls and one open side. my AVR4800 has ample power (125) so that even at -4dbs it is louder than most people find comfortable. After a brief researcg of the SVS, SHU, and Outlaw subs, I really like the SVS. Besides the actual power, the cabinets appear gorgeous!

[Jimbo64]

I am looking for more natural and cleaner sound, not earthshaking volumn. It really already had that quality.

[halo]

I just picked up a refurbished Harman Kardon AVR-340 here: link (http://stores.ebay.com/Harman-Audio_Harman-Kardon_W0QQcolZ2QQdirZQ2d1QQfsubZ2QQftidZ2QQtZkm) Pretty inexpensive and it has all the latest decodeing / processing. It sounds fantastic too. Or you could check out the AVR-440 here: link (http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product=4097700)

SVS is a very good choice! I have a 20-39 PCi myself and I love it.

[Jimbo64]

Okay. a friend of mine just bought the Polk lsi25's. We are going to hook them up next to my rt2000i's.....I will let you know what we think.

I will be getting the AVR4306 receiver.

I definitly want an SVS sub. HELP! Which one! Are the single 12's enough? much better than my PSW650? If so, which one, SB12+, PB12 ULTRA, OR PB12+? I may still get the PB12+/2. It's very difficult to know when I can't hear them side by side.

[cfrizz]

Hi Jimbo, welcome to CP!

Talk to the people at SVS they will help you pick out the best sub for your room.

I can't wait to hear your thoughts on the 2 different pairs of speakers. However, please know that if you decide to get the updated Denon as well as an all LSI setup, you will need separate amplification to get the best out of the LSI's but also to not overstress your receiver. It is not designed to really handle 4ohm speakers.

Now that I think about it, all you might really need to make your current speakers sound their best is a separate amp.

Do a search here on the board about the benefits of separate amplification, it makes a world of difference!

Here is one such discussion for you to look at. Holydoc's review is just beautiful & accurate!

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=33040

[gonzalr]

sorry. trying to post a new thread. my mistake.

[halo]

That's what I was trying to suggest Cathy. Less money on a new receiver (get a less expensive Denon that'll do all the decoding / processing) and put the difference into separate amplification.

Ex: Denon AVR-2370CI (http://www.crutchfield.com/S-q1szL8VAxlZ/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=10420&I=033AV2307C) & Outlaw Model 7125 (http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/7125.html) Instead of just the Denon AVR-4306 (http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/7125.html)

Call SVS as Cathy suggested. Great people that will get you exactly what you need. You can also get a SPL meter & Avia DVD from them.

[Jimbo64]

I really appreciate the suggestions. I will contact SVS as advised. I can get a good deal on the AVR-4306 (1300$). I will let you know about the LS25i vs the RT2000i's.

So this leads to the next bag-o-worms....the amp? Denon okay?

[Zero]

When it comes to purely Home Theater - your HT system is going to be a VERY tough act to follow dollar for dollar. Great system. As for a sub, the prior suggetions are solid.. For the best advice on what SV sub will work for you - give them a ring for an honest assessment.

I look foward to your impressions of the Lsi-25 versus the 2000. The LSi's require a much higher grade of electronics than the 2000's.. and also require more attention to detail when positioning.

A Denon receiver is a good choice for your RTi's, but will only *bearly* be up to snuff for the Lsi's.

[tonyb]

I say...that boy married the niece of Denon corp.

[Jimbo64]

I contacted SVS. Iwas suprised that the tech considered my PSW650 a powerful sub. He still needs to get back to me for a reccommendation for an SVS Sub. I did move my sub next to the couch and adjusted the setting on the receiver accordingly to 5'. It made a phenominal difference! I know I will replace my fx500i's with the LSiFX rear surrounds I don't think the room is big enough to go 7.1

Hopefully the ls25's s show up today so I can get my opinion back to you guys!.

[sickicw]

I am looking for more natural and cleaner sound, not earthshaking volumn. It really already had that quality.


if you want "quality" i would look into a velodyne sub or some other sealed sub.

[Jimbo64]

Okay,
I hooked up the AVR-4306. Noticably crisper video and even moreso on the audio. Guess my buddy doesn't get it back! I would like the SVS Sub but I don't have the room for it. I may just settle for the PSW1000 which would still be noticably better than my PSW650.