Need your expert Polk assistance!

[Laura Palmer]

I was over asking my Polk questions on AVS Forum when a poster named Marker sent me a link over here... Suffice to say I was happy to find this place!!

So anyway, I read through all the pages and tried to get answers for as many of my questions as possible, but I still have a couple more that are unanswered, so I figured I'd ask away in my own thread.

I recently purchased the Polk Audio RTi6 bookshelf speakers... which will probably be used as my rears, and getting either the RTi10s or RTi12s for my front left/rights. (I assume the RTi8s aren't worth it because they are only 2-way?)

Thing is, at the time I thought I'd be using my RTi6s for my fronts and FXi5s for my rear, now I've changed my mind. I suppose I should just return them if my plan is to get floor speakers? From what I gather the ideal setup is to have great floor-standing speakers, and then FXi5's for your rear & surround speakers?

I've read a lot about surround-specific speakers being better for music than direct radiating(?) speakers in an article on Paradigm's website...do they mean for the rears? Or do they mean "surround" as in on the side for a 7.1 setup?

Did I make a mistake by deciding to replacing my fronts with RTi10s or RTi12s and using my direct radiating RTi6s as my rears?

I'd say my interests are 50/50 for music/film. DVDA and SACD is also a pleasure I hope to indulge in and appreciate also when I get the equipment.

I assume that when I can afford to buy a 2 more speakers to complete my 7.1 setup that they should be the FXi5s at that point, right?

I really want the ideal Polk setup and hope that it can include the RTi6s that I already purchased.

Oh, if I have a 7.1 setup w/ FXi5s on the side, those won't used at all for music will they? Currently 5 speakers is as high as it goes for music? There's no 7.1 DVDA discs are there?

Thank you,
Laura

[Laura Palmer]

Oh yes, and I plan to buy the CSi5 before the week is through and maybe the PSW505 since that's the only one FutureShop carries.

From the recent reading I've done on these forums it also seems as though mixing your sub with your front speakers when listening to 2CH Stereo is a BAD thing, right? Did I read that correctly? Something to do with crossover settings? (Oh by the way, is there a very simple FAQ on crossover and other standard speaker specs, cause I don't really get a lot of the technical stuff yet).

I'm actually not too keen on subwoofers that much either to tell you the truth. When I listened to my music at FutureShop it just didn't seem to mix/mesh well with the music coming from the towers... could that just be poor configuration? Or does anyone also share my opinion? Does that mean subwoofers are really only good for movies? Cause if that's the case, I may not even bother with a subwoofer.

All I know is that Polk speakers are pretty bright, and I want ones that will pull in decent bass since subwoofers are no longer recommended... does that mean I should go with the RTi12s for the front and the RTi6 or FXi5's for my rears?

Are RTi6s at all useful even if you compliment them with towers?

[Laura Palmer]

Damn, sorry. One more thing... (It's frustrating cause I finally have an outlet for all my questions!! hehe)

I'm trying to decide between a Yamaha 5790 and a Pioneer 1014 (or 1015 when it comes out).

Is anyone running a setup with either of these amplifiers? Does one sound better than the other? I think I read somewhere that the Yamaha makes the Polk RTi models even MORE bright, almost harsh. Not sure if there's any validity to that argument though.

Anyway, sorry for all the questions but I'd be ecstatic if anyone could offer their two cents!!!

Thanks again,
Laura.

[F1nut]

How about a nice pair of big SDA's and then you won't have to concern yourself with silly things like subs and surround sound speakers. :D

[Early B.]

Geez, Laura, you ask a lot of questions. But first, let me ask you a few questions so we can properly respond to some of your questions.

1. What is the size of your room?
2. What is your budget?

OK, now let me start here...

If you get the RTi10's or 12's, you'll be better off with external amplification to really make them sound their best. I would recommend at this point that you start with what you already have -- Rti6's and Fxi5's along with the Csi5 you're going to buy. That combo would make a very, very nice system.

There is an ongoing debate about bookshelf vs. floorstanding speakers. It's simply a matter of preference. Floorstanding speakers aren't "better" than bookshelf speakers, so don't make your purchasing decision based on that.

The general consensus on this forum regarding subs is to get something other than a Polk sub -- maybe a Hsu, SVS or Adire Audio sub. You'll get a lot more bang for your buck. You will definitely need a sub for home theater and probably music as well (unless you buy the Rti10 or 12, and you still may prefer a sub).

Also, look at other brands of receivers such as Harman Kardon, Onkyo and Denon.

Finally, don't worry about a 7.1 setup right now. Just focus on your base system. You can always add additional speakers later on.

[Mjr7531]

Welcome to Club Polk!

Currently I'm running a CSi5 and RTi6 which I trade of with some MTX speakers so they get equal play time, I have R20 I also use in the rear when the RTi6s aren't there.
I'd hold onto the RTi6s, they can be real gems, and if you don't want to get a subwoofer, go with the RTi12s and a great amplifier, they have passive subs built in, (the 7" woofers)
I would put the RTi6s in the back and use the FXis on the side. If you find yourself listening to 5.1 music often, you could probably put the RTi6s on the side as you want direct radiating speakers for multichannel music.
If you are going to go with a receiver, I'd go with something that does full bandwidth power measuring (Yamaha, Harmon-Kardon, and others that I can't think of right now)
Good luck with all of your desicions,
Matt

[Frank Z]

Fx's will work very well for side surround speakers, they will offer a more diffused sound field (Non-Directional) than a direct radiating speaker. Direct radiating speakers should go on the rear wall for a 7.1 system.

Depending on which receiver or preamp you are using and what type of DSP modes are available, the rear speakers (#6 & 7 in a 7.1 system) can and will receive a matrixed rear signal.

As far as subs go, yes they are very important for recreating the sound that the audio engineer and the director intended for you to hear while watching the latest Hollywood epic. Sub's will also come in handy if you're getting into multi-channel music, whether it's SACD or DVD-a. Do you need one for plain old 2-channel listening? It depends on the main speakers in your system and personal preference. A full range speaker is really all that's needed for 2 channel, others may disagree, but they're knuckle heads anyway so don't listen to 'em!!;)

Receivers and Amplifiers are an area that no one can really quantify. You're going to have to audition the ones you're interested in and decide which sounds the best to your ears. You might want to consider going with separates instead of a receiver, that opens up even more opportunities for you spend your money!!

Lot's of folks will jump in with their personal preferences for subs so I'll simply state that there are many to choose from, internet only brands and higher-end brands that command a lot of respect and of course cost more.


That's my $.03!!

[pjdami]

Hi Laura and welcome to Club Polk.

Okay my two cents here.

Just because a speaker is a two way design doesn't mean that it is a bad sounding speaker or that it cannot be used for your mains. Plenty of great speakers out there that are two way bookshelf designs. It really is a matter of personal preference to have a floor standing speaker or a bookshelf for the main speakers. Floorstanders generally have better bass than bookshelves but that depends on the speaker. You just have to listen to them at the showroom and decide for yourself.

A good sounding subwoofer should blend in perfectly with your other speakers and shouldn't draw any attention to itself. So yes, your demo with the sub was probably a bad one due to a bad setup or improper calibration of the subwoofer. A nice subwoofer adds a lot of realism when watching movies and to music.

Direct radiating speakers are okay to use for surrounds as are the speakers designed for surrounds like the ones you mention.

For the model speakers that you have chosen look at Denon, Sony ES, and NAD receiver models. These are good matches for the Polks that you are looking to buy and are not as "bright" as some of the other receivers out there.

What kind of listening environment do you have? Wooden floors, carpeting, tile, etc?

Paul

[cmy330go]

Hi Laura Welcome to the Forums!

Sounds like you're on your way to starting a great system.

I'm going to start off by asking what you will be driving the speakers with? Because quite honestly a little 3 or $400 dollar receiver is not going to do those speakers justice in my opinion.

Now in regards to your front speakers. The RTi10's and 12's are awsome speakers. But I would also recommend to not count out the Rti8's. I work at a polk retailer that deals both the 10's and the 8's. (lack of space for the 12's, but I have heard them) It is not at all uncommon for customers and actually some employees to prefer the 8's over the 10's. The 8's seem to have a more forward and in your face sound, and when teamed with a great sub such as the PSW505 can sound quite stunning. The 10's are certainly capable of playing lower but also have a more layed back and warmer sound than the 8's. Then of course you have the 12's that i feel have the great lows of the 10's but with more of the forward mids and highs of the 8's. There really is no wrong pick among those speakers I would heavily suggest getting as much listening time as you can with all 3 and then take home YOUR favorites, not the salespersons. :-) I'm not familiar with the retailer you mentioned but it might be worth it to see what their satisfaction policy is, and see if you can't get some listening time in you own home. Most retailers demo rooms are going to sound far different (usually worse) than your room.

In regards to the RTi6's that you have. They can make for a great set of surrounds. I would suggest using them as the surrounds in your 5.1 system and then when, and if, you get the FXi5's move them to surround back duty. However keep in mind that when you listen to multi-channel music such as DVD-A and SACD that the rear channels in use will be dictated by how you wire the receiver. If you send the surround right and left from your player to the surround right and left of the receiver's 6 (or 8) channel input you will get sound out of the sides (FXi5's) of your 7.1 system. However if you would prefer to hear your music through the Rti6's you would just have to send those cables into the Surround Back channels of the Receiver. (hope that makes sense)

Also I see you have since asked a questions about the use of a sub with large towers. I think most would agree with me that a sub is almost mandatory in any system regardless of the towers being used. And yes a sub can sound good with just 2 channel music. Your bad experience with 2ch. music at the store could have been due to many factors: Poor room layout, Improper crossover and/or level settings on the sub or receiver or both, etc....

Last of all your center channel selection is perfect. The Csi3 is great too but the 5 is a far better choice for those who have the space for it.

Well I think I hit on most of your questions, and I hope this helps. By all means don't be affraid to ask more questions.

And once again Welcome!

Happy buying!!!

[Frank Z]

Geez I can't believe I forgot to say......




































OMG!!!!! A GIRL!!!!!


Well somebody was bound to say it!:D

[Laura Palmer]

Thank you for the quick reply!

I looked at Harmon Kardon amps and in order to get the features and options I want, I'd have to pay a lot of money. So I'm actually hoping to stick with the Yamaha or Pioneer since they're relatively cheap. I can't afford to buy an Onkyo or anything.

Which actually brings me to my next response... I have a friend at Future Shop so I can get a discount...which is why I'm hoping to do all my shopping there.

Frankly, I don't really have a budget. I mean I'm not rich...but any of the speaker options available at FutureShop is affordable to me considering the nice discount I'll be getting. I just want to make sure I start in with good gear now, so I don't have to upgrade later.

Oh and since I'm considering buying Polk RTi12s, you'll probably think I'm crazy for saying that the room they're going in is probably going to be relatively small. I'm moving to Toronto, but I haven't found a place yet, so I don't really know. An apartment of some kind though. Are floor speakers really only good for POWER? I mean even if I can't BLAST them I'll still enjoy the quality at lower volumes, right?

I mean, yeah if the room is small most of the 80% of the power in these speakers will probably go to waste...but speakers really last you a decade don't they? I'm sure within 10 years I'll have them in a bigger room and perhaps on a more powerful amp, but will I be able to enjoy them in the meantime or am I STILL better to just get bookshelves?

[Laura Palmer]

Boy when I replied there, I only saw 1 or 2 responses...then I refreshed and saw more than I could keep up with....This forum really is great!

The center channel was an easy pick, not much confusion and audio theory to dispute over there..heh :)

Interesting comments, cmy330go, because actually when I was comparing the RTi8/10/12's the RTi8's DID at first seem far better to me. It was strange. It didn't really seem logical to me. I asked the salesman why that would be and it didn't seem logical to him either, so he basically tried to show my why the RTi10's sounded better. I was semi-convinced by the time I left. I need to listen to them more I guess, but I've already spent a total of 5 hours listening to music there!! tee hee.

I've never heard the RTi12's though cause they're never in the show room for some reason. I just "figured" they'd be better.

From my recent reading it seems like a common opinion that the RTi10s lack mids and the RTi12s are much better all-around and especially in bass.

Though it's strange cause in most people's signatures I got the idea that the RTi10s were the most popular.

One thing though, when you guys talk about speakers lacking in bass are you playing them at neutral levels on the amplifier/receiver, or...? Cause I find if I add a lot of bass and take a way some treble on my old Yamaha amp that it helps the RTi6's seem less bright. I'm not sure if these bass/treble adjustments mean anything when testing the quality of a speaker though, I was told it's best to test on neutral.

[Laura Palmer]

And I guess I will get a sub after all. I don't really need anything too fancy though since I'm not overly keen on them anyway... so will a PSW505 12" sub fit it okay? I'd rather stick with Polk even though everyone seems to agree that there's better speaker companies like SVS and Velodyne.

One thing that intrigues me is this... If you've got RTi6's as your front left/rights....and FXi5's for your rears... that means that you have MORE money spent in your rears than in your fronts... which is what is so unusual to me. That's why I thought it was necessary to jump to floor speakers cause I figured that's where most of the money is supposed to go since your front two speakers are the most important for music. It seems weird to have more money invested in my rear surround channels. Which is why I wonder why there isn't an even BETTER bookshelf than the RTi6's (around the same price-point of the FXi5s).


Oh and by the way, you boys are all terrific!!! I'm learning so much.

[cmy330go]

Originally posted by Laura Palmer
And I guess I will get a sub after all. I don't really need anything too fancy though since I'm not overly keen on them anyway... so will a PSW505 12" sub fit it okay? It seems weird to have more money invested in my rear surround channels.

Any thoughts?

I know there is a lot of talk of other brands of subs on this forum, but I have spent a LOT OF TIME listening to the PSW505 and I think it is a great sub for the money. Actually if the room is pretty small you could probably get by with the PSW404. In many music cases I actually like the slighty quicker sound of the 10 inch driver in the 404.

I know it seems strange to distribute more money to the back speakers. But the extra money is not buying you a better quality speaker, just a speaker that is better tailored for a surround application. Which just so happens to require that it has an extra tweeter and a cool little switch on it. :)

Ok past my bed time. I have to get up in the morning to go sell some more POLKS!!!!!

Later

[F1nut]

Ok, time to get serious....actually I was when I suggested the big SDA's, but I digress.

Since you seem to split your preferences 50/50 I would suggest you find a speaker that you like best for music. Just about any speaker will do a decent job at HT, not so with music. In case you didn't know, all SACD's and most DVD-A's have a 2 channel hi-rez layer, so you don't have to listen in surround sound, in fact most serious music listeners prefer 2 channel for music. Having said that, my suggestion would be to get floorstanding speakers for the fronts. After all, there is no substitute for large radiating surfaces.

Living in a apartment isn't going to lend itself to loud volume levels, so when you demo speakers listen at low levels to determine which ones sound best at that level. A sub, even playing at low levels is going to piss off your neighbors more than anything else, just something to consider.

[gregure]

Laura,

Glad to see you've come to the right place to get your questions answered. All I can do is share my opinions on the questions you've asked.
First, as far as the tower vs. bookshelf question: I actually prefer a tower speaker, as I think the sound is a little more open, especially when using two mains for 2-channel stereo playback, which I prefer to surround sound for music (except on concert DVD's). Think about it, all of the music shoved into a tweeter and one 6.5" woofer, or spread out over 3 or more drivers. I have the RTi 10's for mains, and I've always been pleased with their sound, never more so than when I bought my B&K receiver (they better sound good w/a $3000 receiver).

However, I still cross the 10's over at 80 Hz to the sub, as it frees up the speaker's sound on the mids, and gives the sub what its meant to reproduce, and it does it so well. The Rti 6's are also excellent, and if you get a great sub and cross the 6's over at 80 Hz, I think you will be more than happy with the results. Still, I think the 10's would be better. The 12's would be too much unless you don't want a sub, but you really should have one.

Second, choice of receiver: If you truly want to do this all just once, treat yourself to a nice receiver that will maximize the sound quality your speakers are capable of. Low current, cheap receivers will result in constricted, shrill sound. Check out onecall.com for low prices on new units. They are clearing out the Harmon Kardon 630's in favor of the new 635. This is an opportunity to get an $1100 receiver for just over $600. Check it out here.
That may help you decide to stick with the 6's as mains, and put that extra money into a great receiver. An Onkyo 801 or 802 (801 would be cheaper as they are clearing them out) would be a great choice as well.

Third, the choice of sub (to have, or not to have). Get a sub. Movies are always better with a sub, and music is better with one too, if you set the bass management correctly. The SVS PB 10 ISD for $470 shipped is the best choice. Great sub, goes real low, blends nicely with Polks, and has a real tight, powerful bass response. If you don't want it rattling the whole house, you can turn the gain (volume) knob down a bit, but at least you'll still be experiencing bass that a Polk sub is simply incapable of producing with any authority. Check out SVS here.

Lastly, bi-firing surrounds or direct radiators (standard bookshelf speaker). I like bi-firing ones, definitely gives you more sound to fill the room with surround effects (and not just effects, but surround speakers produce a lot of background score music as well). For multi-channel music, there is no issue w/ using bi-firing (FXi speakers) on the sides (the better setup), as long as you set them to bipole (this way it's the same sound just coming from both directions-di-pole sets one side out of phase with the other, and does not sound so great for mc music). So, here are a few options for the HT setup.

If you must go w/ towers:
Rti 10 mains
Csi 5 center
Fxi 5 side surrounds
Rti 6 (rear surrounds-optional)
SVS PB 10 ISD sub
HK AVR 630/Onkyo TX-SR 801 receiver
Replace the 10's w/ 12's if no sub

or

Rti 6 mains
Csi 5 center
Fxi 5 side surrounds
SVS PB 10 ISD sub
HK AVR 630/Onkyo 801 receiver
Optional rear surrounds, another pair of 6's or even Rti 4's would be ok if your room is small.
Honeslty, if your room is that small, 5.1 should really be plenty for you, as 2 more speakers will be a lot of work, and do you little good if you are sitting directly beneath them.

Hope this helps, if even a little bit.
Good luck.

[Laura Palmer]

Thank you... I definetely agree. I haven't tested any of these Polk speakers at all for HT, heh. So I guess there is slightly more of an importance on music than film.

One thing I just realized is that I made a mistake on the subwoofer, It's not the PSW505 I'm looking at, it's the PSW12.

Is that bad? It's not as good as the PSW505 but it's 12" and that should be good enough to compliment my system right? I have no idea why FutureShop doesn't have the PSW505 anyway, it's kind of bizarre. They're the only Polk dealer in Canada it seems also.

[Laura Palmer]

Wow, thanks for the long post... and the final speaker setups you'd suggest. Very helpful.

And I don't yet know the size of the room, that's the problem...I don't know where I'll be living. I just want these speakers to be good enough for any living situation since it's going to be a mighty big investment... although after it's all done and over with I guess I should COUNT on being poor and living in a small room for a while, hah!

Oh, and about the receivers... I guess I could consider a better one because I'd rather combine everything into one device instead of buying pre-amps, amps, etc. even though I know it's not nearly as good quality to the audiophiles in here.

Future Shop sells the Harmon Kardon AVR335 so I may consider that one if you consider it to be an adequate step-up from the Pioneer 1014? Is no one using a Pioneer Receiver for Polk speakers here? (Again, the discount is the real incentive, heh)... I KNOW I can't afford to pay for a REAL high quality amp like Denon, that's really going to have to come later. Plus I like the idea of my speakers getting EVEN more amazing after I get a better amp down the road!!

[F1nut]

Originally posted by Laura Palmer

All I know is that Polk speakers are pretty bright.....

Ah, you noticed that too. You seem to have good ears. There's no question in my mind that the RTi line was designed for HT because they are way too bright for music. If you're stuck on Polk speakers and can afford it, look at the LSi line. IMO, they are more suited for music and do a great job at HT too.

[Laura Palmer]

Well... yeah, but to be fair, none of the speakers I listened too sounded too great on neutral levels. Actually the JBL E90s sounded okay if I took away LOTS of bass and added LOTS of treble.... but I still opted to go Polk anyway.

And yeah, the LSi series would've been a consideration but I'm pretty much bound by what Future Shop offers as they are the only Polk Dealer in Canada (plus, the discount is the real reason I'm convincing myself to spend so much)

[F1nut]

Have you looked online at places like eBay and Audiogon or online dealers? Perhaps consider a step by step plan.....buy a better AVR and fronts now, maybe a center too and buy the rest later.

If you think they are bright now, you're not going to be happy down the road as the sibilance drills holes in your eardrums.

[michael_w]

Keep in mind when doing demos at Future Shop... they are commissioned so they might try and push a sale that might not be to your benefit (I've had them try this on my many many times before). Also make sure that when you are listening to receivers that the tone controls (bass and treble and any other sound enchancements) are set to flat / off. Its more than likely someone, either the salesman or a customer, has been fiddling with these knobs to get the best sound or just to see how bassy they can get it. Keeping it flat will give you a better feel for how the receiver sounds.

O yea... use your music... something that you are familar with, and keep it consistant. One song with this receiver and the same one with the one beside it.

My advice on a subwoofer is to try it without and see how you like it. Then throw it in and decide from there. As F1Nut mentioned, a subwoofer might sound good but in an apartment the frequencies it will handle are going to penetrate the building very easily...

Welcome to the forum and have fun shopping.

Michael


btw where do you live? (well I know you're moving to toronto but yea) Good to see some more of us Canadians around the forum :D .

[michael_w]

Forgot to mention to check out this site.

Link to "Canuck Audio Mart"

Seems to be a lot of stuff sold in Ontario... might be able to pick up something used locally. Not a lot of polk audio stuff but you might be able to pick up some electronics.

btw I call "dibs" (hehe :p) on sdas close to BC.

[danger boy]

I think Laura works at Future Shop. it kinda sounds like. since talking about getting a discount on the Polk speakers. :D


Laura Palmer from Twin Peaks.

[pjdami]

Laura,

If you like Pioneer look into the Pioneer Elite models although Denon which has a laid back sound is a better match for the RTi. You can get deals on nice Denon receivers on the internet for about $600. If your budget is limited for now, I would concentrate on getting the BEST components that you can afford right now even if that means sticking with just a receiver, cd / dvd player, and main speakers (no surrounds) for now. Add on later as you can afford it.

I also mentioned a critical factor above in my first post and that is the room. A carpeted room with window treatments and soft furniture will help to soften the "brightness" sound that you mention. If you get a place with wooden floors or ceramic tile then you can do area rugs etc.

[Frank Z]

Don't forget to buy an SPL Meter......
http://www.audiophilia.com/hardware/spl.htm


Make sure you take a peek at......
http://www.polkaudio.com/home/faqad/...e=optimizeroom


And you should also read....
http://www.polkaudio.com/home/library/hthandbook.php

[Willow]

Hey Laura,

Welcome, Trust me the most FS don't have their systems set up, that's why you hear tons of bass when you walk in. They do this to attract people who think wow that sounds good. I would go with the 8's over the 10's and 12's the 12's are some big A$$ speakers and will require lots of juice. The 8's could be used on any decent receiver. The you will save some cash that can be put towards a good sub. I have the 4's and a sub you can't tell there is a sub in my room it sounds like the bass is from the 4's. As for yammie I run a yammie with rti, and it's great with HT, it is a tad bright for music but not annoying.

Where in Canada are you ?

[TroyD]

I'm going to chime in with my .02.....

From perusing the posts, you seem to be more inclined to music rather than the HT experience, that being the case:

I would keep the RTi6's and not worry too much about the fx's for rears. My rationale is that in my HT rig, the rear speakers are more or less just ambient noise effects. That being the case, work with what you have and be done with it. I have a pair of entry level R10's and they do exactly what they need to.

Second, Invest in a good pair of mains. While I'm a big believer in the wisdom of 'Confucious' Grand that there is no substitute for surface radiating area, it is also true that bigger is not always better and a 3-way is not always better than a 2-way (SPEAKERS, you sickos). Point being, find the mains that you like.

Third, decent source and decent amplification. Understand you get a good discount at the Future Shop.....however, look at used gear. ESPECIALLY if you are satisfied with 5.1 (me personally, I could give a crap about 6.1 - 1874.8 DD/DTS NEO 20K leagues under my roof)....and don't forget a decent source, garbage in/garbage out. I'm partial to the Philips DVD963SA (SACD, 192 upsampling etc etc) can be had used for about 2 bills. As far as the reciever, there is good stuff used from HK, Denon, Onk, Outlaw etc etc....I don't know all the latest on receivers as I haven't used one in a while, the one I had, Denon, I liked very much though. I'm pretty partial to Denon gear, actually.

Ok, then worry about centers and subs (pretty much in that order, IMO). If when you do opt for a sub, I would suggest wiring it the way Polk suggests: run the L/R main wires from the receiver to the sub, then from the sub out to the corresponding mains. Set sub to no or off and adjust crossover on sub to where it sounds best.

I think that if you bide your time and buy one or two high quality items at a time, you will actually save money in the long run.

Just my .02

BDT

[cfrizz]

Welcome Laura! Here is my .02 cents.

I thought the same way you did when I first got my equipment. That I would have it for years & upgrades wouldn't be necessary.
I was wrong, especially if you hang around here long enough! Actually the bulk of my gear is 15 yrs old, but I have made significant upgrades in the last year that have really opened my eyes & ears as far as equipment goes.

Whatever receiver you get make sure it has pre-outs so that later on down the line you can add a separate amplifier. The more high current power that you can feed your speakers with, the better they will sound.

I always use my subwoofer, whether for 2 channel or multichannel music. I simply turn down the volume on the sub so that it blends in better with my main tower speakers, & turn it up for movies. It comes down to a matter of personal preference

I understand wanting to get this stuff all at once and be done with it, but don't be afraid to get it piece by piece either. That way you can spend more for each piece and get the equipment that you truly want. And you will feel less compelled to upgrade later.

Keep an eye out on the flea market here on the board. Half of my upgrades were purchased this way. I saved a ton & got gear in like new condition.

Don't forget to put some money aside to get better interconnects & speaker wire than what you get out of the box. The guys here like Signal Cable. I'm partial to Blue Jeans Cable. Both of these are online outlets. But I have also heard that the higher end Radio Shack and Accoustic Research stuff isn't bad either.

Have fun shopping, come back with more questions & please stick around, I'm lonely being the only woman who does any talking on this board.

Cathy

[Laura Palmer]

hehe, thank you.

Oh and I don't actually work at Future Shop, just know a very close friend who does who's willing to help me out, that's all.

And I already have a bunch of Acoustic Research Cables for my Interconnects so those will have to suffice.

I don't have speaker wire yet though and the Acoustic Research speaker wire doesn't look very good, so I may actually go with (dare I say, monster?) considering it's more convenient to. I've read a lot about Blue Jeans Cable and stuff being way better cables and for much cheaper, but I don't really want to order anything over the internet, I'd rather just run into a store grab and go.

I know there's probably a bunch of Monster haters here, but is the standard THX speaker wire they sell fine for my speakers? I don't really mind the cost for the convenience...although I heard that going up to the Monster XPHP isn't really going to be a big difference in quality... so I'm inclined to just grab the THX Standard.