What to upgrade?

[blockatvalpo]

I’d like to improve my current system, but I’m not sure what upgrade to make right now. My current set-up is:

Receiver = Pioneer Elite SC-25
Main Speakers = Polk VM30’s
Center = Polk VM20
Surrounds = Polk RM6751’s
Subwoofer = SVS PC12-NSD

Would a second subwoofer give me better results or an external amp? Should I focus on the rear speakers instead?

I’m looking to spending between $700-800 and I’m willing to buy used.

Thanks for your help!

[apphd]

What is it you want to improve? Or what is it that you do not like or feal is lacking? HT or music? Maybe look into room treatments??

[blockatvalpo]

I want more bass (rooms pretty big @ 19 x 20), so I'm leaning towards getting a second SVS subwoofer. Eventually, I'd like to upgrade the VM30's to something more musical, which made me think about getting an external amp. I'm pretty sure I'd hear the difference with a second sub verses an extra 60 watts in the speakers.

[sm88]

I was under the impression that the SVS is a very good subwoofer. You'd be better off upgrading your mains for sure, they have very small drivers which aren't the best at filling the room with rich chocolaty bass notes. It would be more coherent that way too.

[apphd]

I want more bass (rooms pretty big @ 19 x 20), so I'm leaning towards getting a second SVS subwoofer. Eventually, I'd like to upgrade the VM30's to something more musical, which made me think about getting an external amp. I'm pretty sure I'd hear the difference with a second sub verses an extra 60 watts in the speakers.

Assuming 8' ceiling I wouldn't think the SVS would be that lacking. But if it's more bass you want then I would agree with you, a 2nd sub would probably do more for you than a little more power.

[98Badger]

For your proposed budget, I'd go with a second matching sub or sell what you have and move to a sub higher up the line. How are your DIY skills? You can get quite a bit more for your money compared to most commercial offerings.

Ideally, I'd upgrade the speakers if I was in your position, but that will be more expensive than the current budget.

[sm88]

For your proposed budget, I'd go with a second matching sub or sell what you have and move to a sub higher up the line. How are your DIY skills? You can get quite a bit more for your money compared to most commercial offerings.

Ideally, I'd upgrade the speakers if I was in your position, but that will be more expensive than the current budget.

On the contrary, $800 can buy some very impressive speakers on the used market

[98Badger]

On the contrary, $800 can buy some very impressive speakers on the used market

I guess that depends what you consider impressive. Actually, I agree there are some good choices out there in that price range. It's been a while since I was looking at anything in the sub $1K range.

[sm88]

I guess that depends what you consider impressive. Actually, I agree there are some good choices out there in that price range. It's been a while since I was looking at anything in the sub $1K range.

Paradigm Studio's, Tyler Acoustic Taylos, and Monitor Audio offerings come to mind.. It's a good price point for mid fi, he's stepping up from the thin Polk towers, it's really not hard to beat.. for that much money you can get easily a full 5 ch set of Paradigm Atoms which are great price for performance, or a pair of Studio's. Or even go for LSI's

[fishbones]

First off, how do you have your mains (and the sub) setup? Did you spend adequate time placing the speakers optimally using a familiar CD? Placement can make a WORLD of difference if you spend the time setting them up properly - it took me two weeks to setup my current loudspeakers to find their full potential and the bass (and everything else) sounded 10 times better when I finished!

I would start with that, then go from there.

my 2 cents...

[BKSinAZ]

I was under the impression that the SVS is a very good subwoofer. You'd be better off upgrading your mains for sure, they have very small drivers which aren't the best at filling the room with rich chocolaty bass notes. It would be more coherent that way too.

I agree, I heard that SVS is fairly good. I suggest moving the position of the sub to another location in that room. I know when I move my sub around, it does change the volume of it. By the way, check out ACI titan subs if your still looking to buy.

[blockatvalpo]

When I bought the SC25, I moved the speakers all over the room until I found the best spot for them. I put the sub where I sit and the corner it's in now is the best spot for it. There's a good amount of bass coming from the SVSIt's loud, but I feel like I could use more umph somewhere and maybe getting bigger tower speakers is my answer. I have a set of JBL N38II that I could hook up to the SC25 to see if they sound better. The VM30's are great for home theater, but they're lacking umph for music. I bought my VM20's from the polk ebay store so maybe I'll see what they have on their site.

[apphd]

Maybe you can get your ears on one of these somewhere:

http://www.epiksubwoofers.com/empire.html