Front speaker upgrade advice needed

[Mudbug844]

Looking to upgrade front speakers and could use some advice. My current system includes:
Receiver Onkyo TX-SR506
Fronts Monitor 50's
Center CS 20 Sub
HSU VTF-2 MK3
Surround TSI 100's

Looking at a pair of TSI 500's. Used mostly for music and movies (in that order). Would this be a considerable step up from the 50's as the cost is double +? Any other suggestions. Looking to spend 700-800.00

[bopicasso]

The TSI is not a upgrade but a lateral move. They are the new model of monitor speakers. I would look to RTIA or LSI speakers to actually upgrade if you plan to stay w/ polk audio.

[xcapri79]

Your system seems well balanced as you have it. If I would recommend anything, it would be to first upgrade your receiver to a unit with pre-outs. An external amp makes a difference. Then look at the speaker upgrade. You may want to consider a pair of Monitor 70's. Either the Monitor 70's or the TSi500will sound pretty good with a good external amp and will sound a lot better than the system you currently have.

Check out this Pioneer VSX-1120-K for $494 with free delivery.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0039XQQXA/

This Emotiva amp for $399 is an excellent buy.
http://emotiva.com/upa5.shtm

Polk Monitor 70's for $183 x 2 = $366
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-208-_-Product

[bopicasso]

I agree external amplification is the way to go for better sound quality before a speaker upgrade. If you choose to upgrade your speakers, you will still be lacking sufficient power to show the speakers true potencial. Sell your receiver, buy one w/ preouts, and then find a cheap carver to bring your current speakers to life..

[Mudbug844]

Thanks for the input. Maybe I'm going the wrong direction with the speaker upgrade at this time. Maybe I need recomendations for a new receiver? xcapri79 do you have any suggestions? Anyone? Receiver? External amp? This is new territory for me. Thanks again.

[xcapri79]

Thanks for the input. Maybe I'm going the wrong direction with the speaker upgrade at this time. Maybe I need recomendations for a new receiver? xcapri79 do you have any suggestions? Anyone? Receiver? External amp? This is new territory for me. Thanks again.

I updated my post to include receiver, amp and speakers for $1259 delivered.
Hard to beat that.

The Monitor 70's sound very good with the Emotiva amp.
Move your Monitor 50's to side surrounds and Use your TSi100's for rear surrounds.
Sell your Onkyo TX-SR506 receiver, or use for a computer sound system.
That's what I did before giving it to my daughter.

[Mudbug844]

Hey xcapri79. Looking at your idea and was wondering why the VSX 1120 and not the VSX 1020?

[txcoastal1]

Probably preouts

[Mudbug844]

O. Thats a good reason........

[xcapri79]

You have to have pre-outs to use an external amp.
For serious listening you really need an external amp.
I power a Polk RM series mini-system directly off the receiver for general usage, and LSi's via the Emotiva amps for movies and music.

[Mudbug844]

Question. My son in law don't agree with the new receiver/amp upgrade. He believes I should purchase speakers with higher db range. Maybe Paradigm. My current speakers are 89 db. Speakers that I'm looking at are 94 db. I know I would have to replace center also. Need more advice from people that have the know. Thanks.

[sm88]

In the $700 to $800 range I especially like used Paradigm Studio v3 or newer, they are very well balanced and do well for both home theater and music. But timbre matching is important, so it might be better to stick with Polk if you feel your final destination in the coming years is a Polk system. A lot of people like some of the lower end Totem products that might fall into that price range as well, they use Dynaudio drivers and are well built.

e: Efficiency wise, does your amp or pre/pro have individual gain controls for each channel? You can use those to balance out the sound. I would advise to reduce the more efficient speakers to make it even rather than to boost the less efficient. 89 db is alright, nothing wrong with that. I have 84 db speakers which are a bit challenging but they sound wonderful with ample power

[Mudbug844]

Hey sm88. Thanks for your advice. yes, my amp does have individual gain controls for each channel. I have been messing with them to equal out speakers. The system sounds good know, just want better sound at higher end.

[sm88]

Better treble? Paradigm Studio's use aluminum dome tweeters, which some people find harsh, but in the case of the Paradigm implementation I haven't heard any harshness at all. They are quite detailed, given the price point, but smooth and well balanced with the rest of the spectrum. Where are you from by the way?

[cnh]

Aluminum domes can be a bit hard to take. But I've heard Energy's offerings with their metal dome and it's fairly smooth. Consider the older RC series towers. Give them a listen!

cnh

[Mudbug844]

sm88. I'm from Washington State.

[sm88]

Ah that's on the other side of the country, was going to mention if you're in the area that I have quite a catalog of gear you could listen to

[Mudbug844]

Anymore suggestions? Not looking to just stay with polk unless thats the best sounding system. Thanks.

[Mudbug844]

Ok, hear is what I'm thinking of doing. Purchasing the Pioneer VSX-1120-K and the Emotiva amp. Then purchase a set of klipsch RF-82 speakers for mains. Havn't deceided on center yet. Any imput? Would this take my system up a notch? Thanks for your time.

[bopicasso]

not familiar w/ klipsch but if your looking else where besides polk and using a amp I would consider the used market on audiogon. Some brands to watch for are dynaudio, totem and tyler acoustics, anything by these brands should fit as a upgrade.

[Mudbug844]

Thanks for the suggestions. I did purchase the Pioneer VSX-1120-K. I also purchased a set of the Klipsch RF-82 Speakers. Also the Klipsch RC-62 Center Speaker. Going to try this without a external amp, (sales rep said it wouldn't be needed for my room size) Will see. Thanks again.

[mdaudioguy]

Ok, hear is what I'm thinking of doing. Purchasing the Pioneer VSX-1120-K and the Emotiva amp. Then purchase a set of klipsch RF-82 speakers for mains. Havn't deceided on center yet. Any imput? Would this take my system up a notch? Thanks for your time.

I'm having sympathy ear pains already. ;) High efficiency speakers are overrated, IMO. Just try making one purchase at a time, attempting to improve something that you think could be improved with each step. I'd say you're trying to do too much at once, considering you already own some nice gear.

[organ]

Thanks for the suggestions. I did purchase the Pioneer VSX-1120-K. I also purchased a set of the Klipsch RF-82 Speakers. Also the Klipsch RC-62 Center Speaker. Going to try this without a external amp, (sales rep said it wouldn't be needed for my room size) Will see. Thanks again.

That should work. I used to run a very similar set up but with RF-35's, no external amp. Are you running a subwoofer right now?
For some reason, Pioneer's MCACC calibration system will set small speakers to large and you'll have to change it to 'small' in the menu.
With the RF-82, you're at 98db/w/m. The RC-62 is an excellent center.
Congrats on your new toys.

[jt45]

I'm having sympathy ear pains already. ;) High efficiency speakers are overrated, IMO. Just try making one purchase at a time, attempting to improve something that you think could be improved with each step. I'd say you're trying to do too much at once, considering you already own some nice gear.

Agreed +1 IMO high efficiency will make them play louder but my taste tend to like the smoother less efficient speakers like the older lines.
Having a VSX-920 myself speaker setup is a breeze and the OP should not really have (any) problems getting good power to those Klipsch and I bet it would have made the Polks sound better too.

[bopicasso]

Im not really a fan of klipsch, I would of went with something less efficient also..
But just my opinion.

[98Badger]

Im not really a fan of klipsch, I would of went with something less efficient also..
But just my opinion.

I agree

[organ]

C'mon guys. Why all the negative comments about Klipsch after Mudbug already purchased his RF-82/RC-62 combo? That set is not cheap, so he obviously likes them to have spent a good chunk of money.
There are people who love Klipsch and others who hate it, just like anything including Polk. I'm a Klipsch fan, as well as a few other members in here.

I'm happy for him that he went out there and got something he likes. Hope he's enjoying the new set up.

[98Badger]

I don't think they are necessarily negative comments, just stating personal preferences. I've owned a couple different Klipsch offerings, but found something I like better so out the door they went. All that matters at the end of the day is that the owner likes what he/she has.

[zingo]

Klipsch are great speakers, but can be a little more equipment sensitive than other speakers. I personally love some of their offerings and will not be straying from their line for a long time. I think that many people aren't used to the sound of horns as dome tweeters are so popular, and can smooth over more flaws up-stream in the equipment chain. As stated above though, it does come down to personal preference, and whatever tickles your pickle. :p

Great buy on the new speakers Mudbug and where are you located in Washington?

[organ]

98Badger,
Oh yeah, I agree, we should post our personal preference. I brought it up only because Mudbug already purchased them. No biggie, just didn't want him to think he made the wrong choice.

Zingo,
That's true. Horns leave a sour taste in many peoples mouths (or ears that is) because a lot of shops connect them to the wrong type of gear. Also, when many think horns, they usually think of old exponential designs which have obvious flaws. New tractrix desings takes away the problem associated with exponentials.

Are you running Klipsch right now? I'm a fan of the RF and Heritage line. I LOVE the La Scala.