First Home theater ever

[anilksharma]

Hey Guys - I have done some research and finalized as below

1) Speakers (5.1) - RM75 or RM85 or RM95
Question: Which one among the above will you recommend, I could not find noticeable difference myself in their technicals but there is price difference?.
I want to have speakers as small as possible (wife's threat)

2) Sub : PSW111

3) Receiver : Haven't done much research yet.
I know that I need to have a decent receiver which can deliver me HD audio...even for the music/songs which I probably download from internet and it may not be of that high quality. But it should be able to do some upgrade/upconversion....any recommendations?

Also, where would you recommend them all to buy from to get the best available offer currently. My total budget including receiver is $1000.

Thanks for reading the post and any suggestions.

-anilksharma

[kennethkars]

Hey Guys - I have done some research and finalized as below

1) Speakers (5.1) - RM75 or RM85 or RM95
Question: Which one among the above will you recommend, I could not find noticeable difference myself in their technicals but there is price difference?.
I want to have speakers as small as possible (wife's threat)

2) Sub : PSW111

3) Receiver : Haven't done much research yet.
I know that I need to have a decent receiver which can deliver me HD audio...even for the music/songs which I probably download from internet and it may not be of that high quality. But it should be able to do some upgrade/upconversion....any recommendations?

Also, where would you recommend them all to buy from to get the best available offer currently. My total budget including receiver is $1000.

Thanks for reading the post and any suggestions.

-anilksharma

I to created my sons first HT with help from this web site. A great buy right now for the front speakers is the monitor 70's as they are on sale at a great price. They are advertising a pair for 379 but if you call you can get it for m320 a pair or less and that includes free delivery.

AND BE AWARE THIS MONITOR SERIES IS NOW DISCONTINUED BUT STILL A QUALITY PRODUCT.

http://www.jr.com/polk-audio/pe/POK_MONITOR70BK/


I got a gereat deal fron Newegg on my surounds moniotor 40's and rears monitor 30's. I bought a center which is the CS1 but have been advised the CS2 is a better match. The sub is a PSW10 ( may need to upgrade the sub)

This set up is not a bad starting point based on your budget. The Monitor 70's are a great deal as on ebay you will not find them for lkess than 500 a pair with up to 90 bux for delivery.

Check it out
http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=104504

Good luck and happy hunting.

[Dobermann]

Newegg has the PSW505 subwoofer for 250. Lot of sub for the money (just got mine today). You can get a Denon AVR-590 (which will do HDMI) for around 300 on ebay. That leaves you around $550 for 5 speakers. Since you have to have small speakers I would go as cheap as possible.

Honestly, if I were in your position, instead of going for satellite speakers I would grab two pair of Monitor 40s and a CS1 center. They're not big enough to be really intrusive and the sound will be like a zillion times better.

[anilksharma]

Thanks guys. I certainly agree with your recommendations. However, as I said, I live in apt with living room size around 400SQFT. With that, I thought, probably good idea to go for satellite (RM85/95 series)..rather than having big speakers (eg monitor series). I am not a audiophile but definitely need decent performance (similar performance alike Bose Accoustimass 10 series - not a bose fan) and does not consume much space.

Please help me and point if I should discuss at some other place do discuss. What does people buy usually living in apt.

[DefaultGen]

I agree to go with a 2 or 3 speaker configuration now with the $550 or so you have to spend (assuming you agree with Dobermann's recommendations). When the upgrade bug inevitably hits, you can put your fronts on surround duty. Many would agree that a nicer stereo setup sounds better than a cheaper surround setup.

Is the reason you don't want floorstanding speakers a space or acoustic concern? Your budget could buy Monitor 70 fronts ($350) and a CS20 center ($200), and you could probably live without a sub in that case. You can even net a used pair of Tsi200s from Polk's refurb Ebay listings for about $150-200 to use for surrounds. If you're not looking to shake the place, that would be an awesome setup for about your budget.

Edit: Ah I didn't see it was a space concern :( Satellites generally need a sub to sound their best though, so make room for that in some cold, dark corner!

[anilksharma]

Thanks. Yes, I have the space and weight constraint. I also expect myself to move out of USA in 2-3years, and I definitely would not like to throw the HT system and will carry (either company will provide moving expense or if not then I'll ship with cheapest option. So weight is also a concern :(

Option1: From couple of reviews and limited research so far, RM95 looked me good enough (specially due to something like double driver/way technology). And I will add PSW111 (26lbs..less space)..much lighter than PSW505(55lbs). What do you think? Also, what receiver would you suggest for this combination?

Option2: As you guys recommended, pair of monitors(60's/70's)+CS1/CS2 would be almost equivalent to Option1 in terms of performance? without sub and without surrounds?.
I have been ruling this out from the sheer fact so far due to weight/space (will be living in ~1000SQFT apartment at least for another 5-6 years)...but if I don't need to buy a sub/rear surrounds speakers to match its performance almost equivalent to Option1 then I might revisit this..

Thanks again guys and I really appreciate your feedback..

[TECHNOKID]

Thanks. Yes, I have the space and weight constraint. I also expect myself to move out of USA in 2-3years, and I definitely would not like to throw the HT system and will carry (either company will provide moving expense or if not then I'll ship with cheapest option. So weight is also a concern :(

Option1: From couple of reviews and limited research so far, RM95 looked me good enough (specially due to something like double driver/way technology). And I will add PSW111 (26lbs..less space)..much lighter than PSW505(55lbs). What do you think? Also, what receiver would you suggest for this combination?

Option2: As you guys recommended, pair of monitors(60's/70's)+CS1/CS2 would be almost equivalent to Option1 in terms of performance? without sub and without surrounds?.
I have been ruling this out from the sheer fact so far due to weight/space (will be living in ~1000SQFT apartment at least for another 5-6 years)...but if I don't need to buy a sub/rear surrounds speakers to match its performance almost equivalent to Option1 then I might revisit this..

Thanks again guys and I really appreciate your feedback..

1. First we should determine what you intend to use the system for; % of music and % HT?

2. Satellite speakers are useless for music SQ wise (I speak from experience owning RM10s and RM20s which were replaced by the RM85 and RM95) they are however perfect for HT in small confine rooms as long as paired with a subwoofer.

3. The Monitor series is fine for music BUT MUST be paired with a sub in order to produce the desired results for HT purpose. It is WRONG to state that you do not need a sub if you use those speakers!

4. For music, the Monitor 70s are quite decent for the bass since it can go in the low frequency just as much as the PSW111 however if used in HT, the front speakers WILL NOT provide you with the desired effect the LFE can provide for HT!!!

5. Again for HT purpose a center is a MUST so you definitely would have to pair your front with a matching center.

6. For HT use their is information on the side speakers that a 2 or 3 or 3.1 system will NOT allow you to hear.


As you can see, it is imperative that you first determine what is the main use for your system (mainly music or HT or perhaps an even combination of both?)

Your specific situation of a move soon is also important in the equation. Speakers can be damaged during transport (lots of horror stories of drivers being damaged during transport). Speakers can be upgraded once you find a final or long term location.

Perhaps going halfway could be something to consider. IE: Monitor 30s or 40s are both bookshelf and will not take as much room as full size tower speakers in the apartment aling with being much cheaper and not as much of a hazard for shipping to your new location. It is imperative that you keep the original boxes for safe shipping but if shipped through a moving company you MUST ensure you original boxes are also packed in the mover's boxes (I had a TV and VCR stolen during transport since the boxes were advertising the content).



http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/s...ent/monitor70/

http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/s...ent/monitor30/

http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/s...ent/monitor40/

http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/psw/specs.php

BTW welcome to Club Pok :)

Cheers!
TK

[swb502]

Where are you getting 55lbs for the PSW505, I have two of them and they can't weight more then 20 pounds each, (or I have doubled my strength) and the polk shipping weight is 48lbs. The PSW505 is a ton of fun so I'd still think about it in the future.

http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/specs/recent/psw505/

[troy_b.]

I have not heard these but would the OWM5's work paired with PSW 110? As a APT starter system. With the mounting options it could work. Once again I have not heard these. Anyone have any experience with the OWM5's?

[Lietuvis91]

M70s for a small room may be overkill, and may not sound their best. I would suggest going to a department store and listening to the different componenst setups and floor standing speakers. I have realized there's nothing better then doing your own homework to make your decision. I like my m70, m60 setup, but I do feel they would sound even better in a bigger room. Mine is 12x18 8ft ceilings. Just go out there and listen to some stuff, just go shopping!

[Lietuvis91]

and just one more thing to consider. If you get bigger speakers, you will have to be willing to spend the money on a receiver that can do them any justice power wise.

think of it this way:
a receiver like onkyo 807 is rated at 135w/ch but in actuality puts out around 30w/ch with all 7 ch driven. So if you are runing m70s and m60s which have a power range of 20-200+ watts you are barely meeting their minimum power level to run them, not nearly doing them justice.

A smaller speaker which is powered correctly may sound better then an underpowered higher end speaker. For best results, I think it is important to match the receiver and speakers appropriately.

[SivaNevets]

checkout newegg.com you can get a full monitor series setup
(Monitor 60/70 front, CS2 centre, M30 rear) for similar money, but that will be a completely different sounding system. IMO not talking polk monitor is the line where I can really enjoy the music, the higher ones are better, but lower ones i will not be satisfied.

ive seen many people trying to put up their first home theatre went for satelite because the common misperception. satelite are not good when compare to "real" speakers, they only good when you have no space (like a den).

[Lietuvis91]

checkout newegg.com you can get a full monitor series setup
(Monitor 60/70 front, CS2 centre, M30 rear) for similar money, but that will be a completely different sounding system. IMO not talking polk monitor is the line where I can really enjoy the music, the higher ones are better, but lower ones i will not be satisfied.

ive seen many people trying to put up their first home theatre went for satelite because the common misperception. satelite are not good when compare to "real" speakers, they only good when you have no space (like a den).

Not sure if pushing someone with a small room into a big floorstanding speaker setup is really the right advice here. Do you even know what receiver he will have?

OP needs to do some homework if he really wants to do this right the first time.

[mystik610]

checkout newegg.com you can get a full monitor series setup
(Monitor 60/70 front, CS2 centre, M30 rear) for similar money, but that will be a completely different sounding system. IMO not talking polk monitor is the line where I can really enjoy the music, the higher ones are better, but lower ones i will not be satisfied.

ive seen many people trying to put up their first home theatre went for satelite because the common misperception. satelite are not good when compare to "real" speakers, they only good when you have no space (like a den).

I'd take the LSi7's over anything in the Monitor line in a heartbeat. Bigger isn't always better. I went from towers to bookshelves and have never looked back.

[SivaNevets]

Not sure if pushing someone with a small room into a big floorstanding speaker setup is really the right advice here. Do you even know what receiver he will have?

OP needs to do some homework if he really wants to do this right the first time.

OOPS DIDNT SEE THE "WIFES THREAT" PART :D
in that case just grab some monitor 30s (or 40 for front) will still be much better than the RMs.
If you looking for budget receiver, Denon 590 will start you off nicely.

I'd take the LSi7's over anything in the Monitor line in a heartbeat. Bigger isn't always better. I went from towers to bookshelves and have never looked back.

if hes looking to spend that much money sure.. bookshelves are nice, satelite arent bookshelfs, they usually have 3inch woofer and shallow cabinent, which physically very hard to produce good sound

[Zeros]

Are you still looking for a receiver? If so, Amazon has the Onkyo 608 today for $380:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...lickdeals&ses=

Here is a Yamaha RX-V765BL for $320 as well:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16882115197

[jbrunson]

Hey Guys - I have done some research and finalized as below

1) Speakers (5.1) - RM75 or RM85 or RM95
Question: Which one among the above will you recommend, I could not find noticeable difference myself in their technicals but there is price difference?.
I want to have speakers as small as possible (wife's threat)

2) Sub : PSW111

3) Receiver : Haven't done much research yet.
I know that I need to have a decent receiver which can deliver me HD audio...even for the music/songs which I probably download from internet and it may not be of that high quality. But it should be able to do some upgrade/upconversion....any recommendations?

Also, where would you recommend them all to buy from to get the best available offer currently. My total budget including receiver is $1000.

Thanks for reading the post and any suggestions.

-anilksharma

My recommendations:
RM95s (was $230 at Newegg) + PSW110 (was $125 at Crutchfield) + Onkyo TX-NR708 (was $550 at Crutchfield) = $900 for one sweet setup. And the receiver meets all your needs above (ethernet plugs in the back). And your wife will be pleased (mine is thrilled) with the low profile speakers.

[gsxr141]

i haven't heard the owm5's, but i have the 3's. i'm VERY happy with the 3's. i may move them back and put the 5's in their place. to be honest, you could probably get away with just the 3's or 5's and a sub in a small room. the 3's are on sale at newegg for $119 a pair with free shipping. if i wasn't about to get a new receiver, i'd be getting another pair for myself.
if you go with either of those and find it's not enough sound up front, just move them to the back and grab a pair of tsi200's or 300's.

[larry777]

Their is an RM95 set + Sub in the F/S section of this forum. It may be worth checking the price.

[renowilliams]

I would consider some nice bookshelf speakers,like maybr rti4 or rti6's if you can find some. An older csi40 center would work. Then maybe look on e-bay for a Pioneer Elite avr used.

[Libertyc]

The PSW111 is not a bad sub at all especially for its size and price.
$159 from Polkdirect on eBay.

[anilksharma]

Thanks guys. Well, I got diverted slightly and still in the market to set this up..primarily due to some posts I read in Sep/Oct about blackstones and since I had to go for several weeks trip outside US. I really liked TL2 but waiting to see by this month end once TL3s are out.
On the other hands, during demo at bestbuy, I could see notieable clarity in how crisp the songs were when played on Tsi100/Rti bookshelf v/s on Blackstones.

[slammin86]

I agree with the 70's. Very nice speakers for the price.