3.1 for home theater?

[eloplayspolo]

How would a 3.1 setup sound for a home theather in a small room... the tv will be viewed from about 7 feet away.
I was thinking a step above entry level polk floor speakers, a sub, and a center chan.

i know i would lose the whole surround sound... but im thinking this may be a better investment for a small room... correct me if im wrong.

if im not what polk towers would u recommend.... ive seen a lot of good deals on the monitors

[Upstatemax]

I did that till I got in my new FXi3 surrounds...

Monitor 70's for the fronts, CS2 Center with a PSW10 sub. I think it sounded fine... The surrounds help, but you can get by on a 3.1 set-up.

[Early B.]

This may sound strange coming from me right now, but consider setting up a 2.1 channel system and place more money into your fronts instead of buying a center channel at this time. If you're gonna stick with Polk, go straight to the premium line and grab a pair of Lsi9's or 15's, especially if you'll be listening to music. You can probably find a great deal.

[Conradicles]

Also, you can use SDA's as your fronts and you will not even need a sub if you set your receiver EQ correctly. You may not even need a center as the SDA's image like crazy in the sweet spot!

[Chitown_Badger]

This may sound strange coming from me right now, but consider setting up a 2.1 channel system and place more money into your fronts instead of buying a center channel at this time. If you're gonna stick with Polk, go straight to the premium line and grab a pair of Lsi9's or 15's, especially if you'll be listening to music. You can probably find a great deal.

Assuming he has the amp or receiver to drive them. If not, this could get expensive in a hurry.

For floorstanding...monitor line and last years RTi line can be had at a deal right now.

[PolkThug]

In a small area, ditch the center and go 4.1

[Face]

In a small area, ditch the center and go 4.1

I agree, rears are more valuable for surround sound than a center.

[Kex]

This may sound strange coming from me right now, but consider setting up a 2.1 channel system and place more money into your fronts instead of buying a center channel at this time. If you're gonna stick with Polk, go straight to the premium line and grab a pair of Lsi9's or 15's, especially if you'll be listening to music. You can probably find a great deal.

That's probably what I would do, if 4 ohm capability is not an issue. The "phantom" center effect works very well if the seating is well positioned IMO. With the right equipment, even 2.0 can be a thrilling experience, but I like the idea of LSi for musical capability as well.

Otherwise, I like the 4.1 solution, with any of the RT(i) series speakers.

Done properly, I don't think 2.1 with LSi, or 4.1 with something else, is really much of a sacrifice.

[eloplayspolo]

okay so 2.1... like im running now with crap yamaha bookshelfs and a terrible sony sub and a terrible receiver..... only with a good receiver and speakers and subs.

if im going to be watching from a bed, laying down with my girlfriend laying on my chest ( :) ), would i be better off with some surrounds mounted up high angled down at me?

[eloplayspolo]

are the Polk Audio R50 worth 58 dollars each?

[eloplayspolo]

bump
i need to know asap its not gonna be on sale and i can still call them and get it on sale tomarow

[eloplayspolo]

ii can get them for 48 dollars eaech!!!!!! should i buy 4? for my rears also?

[RutgersFTW]

I'd skip the rears, man. 2.0 or 2.1.

At that price you can certainly check them out and see if you like them. They should be an improvement over what you have. Also consider grabbing a pair of Monitor or RTi series Polks from the eBay store for a little more. They should be a big improvement.

[Kchill]

200 bucks, get a center for about 70 bucks...can't go wrong there.

[ben62670]

Um guys...
http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/surroundbar/

[sucks2beme]

I run 3.1. The center really has to be there for the dialog
The Mrs. refuses to allow the surround speakers. I had RTI4 and RTI 6
speakers to go with the RTI 10's, but I ended up selling them, and I don't
really miss not having them. Strangely enough, the SVS she didn't seem to mind.
I rarely watch movies, and go upstairs to the 2-channel for music.
Build the best 3.1 for now, then decide to add on later.