5.1 Now, 7.1 Later What options?

[riggz]

I just picked up a new Onkyo TX-SR605 (conservatively rated at 90w/ch) this weekend along with a Samsung 46" LCD (LN46A750). I'd like to get a 5.1 system with the idea in mind that I can upgrade to 7.1 down the road.

I was thinking of maybe towers up front and something small on stands for the rear and future rear surrounds. The center will sit below the TV on the TV stand. Definately needs to be black in color. Budget is $800-900 for the speakers, stands and sub.

Will mostly be used for gaming (Socom Confrontation for PS3) and watching movies. The room is approx. 13'x20'. Probably 10-11' from TV to viewer.

This is not a "home theater" but I want to make it feel like one. :)

Any help is greatly appreciated!

[bevo]

Go up to the top of the page and go to the where to buy tab. Then go to the official ebay store. You can build a really good system for 900$. Everything is factory refurbished, and looks brand new. I've saved about 700$ so far on my system by buying from polk direct. Without their ebay store, I would have never have been able to build a system, like I have.

I bought the rm95 package which is 4 rm8 surrounds, a psw 111 sub, and an rm center, new from polk. Then I bought a csi a4 center, and RTi A5's for the front, front polk direct, to complete the 7.1. I am really surprised how well the little rm8's sound with the RTi A5's.
Socom sounds amazing. It sounds like it might actually be in 7.1. You can really tell where the firing is coming from. You won't believe how much the surround sound helps in that game.

If gaming is your main priority, then the psw 111 sub will do perfect. I will probably upgrade later, for movie watching and music, but for games it does great.

Be warned though. This home theater thing is very addictive. And this forum will suck you in, in no time.

[riggz]

Thanks for the tip. I didn't see anything that would really work for me in their refurb ebay store.

I have found someone local selling 2 Monitor 70s, 2 Monitor 60s, and a CS2 center all new in box for $1075. What do you think they are worth seeing as they appear to be discontinued models?

[apphd]

Thanks for the tip. I didn't see anything that would really work for me in their refurb ebay store.

I have found someone local selling 2 Monitor 70s, 2 Monitor 60s, and a CS2 center all new in box for $1075. What do you think they are worth seeing as they appear to be discontinued models?

Sounds a little high. But it is local, below are some good prices on 2 of what you are looking at, just to give you an idea of what you can do if you shop around. Also keep checking the Polk Direct as inventory keeps changing. I read somewhere here on what days they get new shipments, I'll see if I can find it and post back with the link. Also heard you can call and tell them what you are looking for and if they have them get them before they hit the web. I can't confirm that but it may be worth a try.
Welcome to CP and good luck

Newegg Mon 60 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882290017)
Newegg CS2 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882290023)

[apphd]

Here it is Polk Direct (http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=75246)
Go to page 3 there are post there about calling and about when they restock.
Also saw a post where someone got a CS2 for $75. Keep in mind these will be taxed and shipping charges added, also has been a lot of discussion on what the referb warranty is. You'll have to read the thread and the warranty and see if you can figure out just what it is.

[hearingimpared]

Welcome to Club Polk riggz.

[wutadumsn23]

I run all Monitors in my setup and am extremely pleased with the sound. You can still find them around, just have to do some hunting. I would recommend the Monitor 40's as your surrounds if you choose the Monitor series. If you want something similar and easier to find the TSi series is the Monitor's "replacement" pretty much the same speaker, just a different look. The TSi 500's would be the Monitor 70's equivilant and the 400's would be the 60's equivilant. The CS20 would be the CS2's equivilant, and the TSi 200's would be the Monitor 40's equivilant. It would be a little harder to get all the speakers you want for $800-$900 if you choose the TSi line, but it is another possibility. Also you could mix and match the two, for example get the Monitor 60's, a CS20 and Monitor 40's or any combination of the three, since they will play very nicely together. One more thing, also the T90e's are a European version of the Monitor 60's and are easier to find than the Monitor 60's from what I hear. Just a few thoughts.

P.S. Welcome to Club Polk

[riggz]

Will my Onkyo 605 be enough to power the monitor 70s?

[wutadumsn23]

yes, the 605 puts out 90W at 8 Ohms (which is probably a bit optomistic as all companies are with their ratings, but close none the less) and the 70's operating range is 20-275W. I have the 806 which puts out 130W per channel (optomistically) and they sound great. Of course external amplification will only help them sound even better.

[lectronicjunkie]

Riggz,
Welcome to the forum. I don't know how close you are to Atlanta, but here's a nice setup and it's in your price range.
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/ele/1050218984.html

[riggz]

Thanks for that craigslist post. That is about 30-40 miles from me. I'm going to hold off until I get everything moved in before I buy anything as I've discovered the location of the entertainment center is only 59" wide. It's a recessed area that is approx 26" deep. With my 46" LCD that leaves only 6" on each side for speakers. That's assuming I can find a 46" stand lol. May have to resort to some smaller style speakers for now...

I really wanted to put in this Altra stand but it's .5" too wide. :(

http://images.bestbuy.com/BestBuy_US/images/products/8355/8355442_sa.jpg