Ready to buy. Could use some help.

[Pines]

I am currently on the hunt for some decent speakers. I have a yamaha RX-V1400 receiver. I have looked at all of my options in my local area and here's some questions. My budget for speakers is about $1800 for the 5 pieces and a sub. My budget seems to get me just a little less than what I like anywhere I seem to go. For my budget the choice I fell for was the monitor 70 fronts, monitor 50 rears, CS2 center and Velodyne 12" sub. I like the look and polk "seems" to be a pretty safe bet for the money. I play lead electric guitar over music with a good amp so I need it loud and always wanted the true theater experience for the living room. Everywhere I look the opinion is: buy whatever I think sounds good. Unfortunately most stores carry limited brands for a side by side comparison and the rooms are all different sizes and shapes with speakers powered by different kinds of receivers. I just don't know. Am I on the right track or drooling over speakers that will think suck once I know what I'm talking about. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[EricH]

I think the best advise that someone could give you is the advise that you have already received-Buy what sounds the best to you within the price that you can afford.

I would buy a pair of fronts, take them home, and hook them up. If you like them, buy the matching center and surrounds. If you don't like them, return them for a refund.

As for a sub, I would buy an SVS. They can go significantly lower than the comparibly priced Velodyne. At your pricepoint, the PB10-ISD ($399 + freight for 4 more days!) or PB12-ISD ($599 + freight)would be the best addition you could make to your set-up.

[ninerbj]

I would have to agree with ericH. If your looking to "jam along" with sweet sounding speakers, buy two fronts...take them home and listen. I too would wait for the surrounds.
Of course that is just our opinion. Also...nothing against the monitor series...but if your looking at the 70's, do yourself a favor and listen to the RTi line as well. Maybe the RTi8's and a sub would be right up your ally.?
Hopefully a few of the others will chime in with thier .02 as well

WELCOME to the forum!!

Brad

[Toxis]

look around online and see what kind of deals you can find. I vote RTi's over the monitors any day of the week! RTi10's with a CSi5 center and the SVS sub will be a good start... and depending on the deal, you might have enough extra cash to buy some rears. But even if you can't buy rears, you'll have a killer starting setup! 3.1 of better speakers > 5.1 of lower end speakers. You'll eventually get a few extra bucks to get some F/Xi3's or maybe even 5's down the road... build it once and do it right.

[Pines]

Wow thanks for the great input everybody. I will post a new thread with some new questions.