What to add to current system??

[LandShark]

My current setup is as follows...

Samsung 42" HD LCD

Sony BDPS350

Onkyo TX705 receiver

Mains: Polk Monitor 70's

Center: Polk CS2

Surrounds: Polk OWM3's

Subs (2) Velodyne VRP 1000 and VRP 1200

Here is my question. Aside from the surge protector, I don't own a power conditioner and not really sure I understand how they will make my system sound better. Also, watching movies my HT is louder than I'll ever need it but...is there a way of improving the clarity? Would an amp help? I've put this HT system together over time and I'm not interested in changing speakers of subs (although if I ever did I'd go to RTi's and SVS sub) so all I want to know is a way to improve my current setup. Thanks!!

[Lasareath]

Well your receiver has Pre-outs and that would be a good next step; to add an external amp. a High-Current external amp will give you better amplification and you will hear better detail.

I've heard good things about this amp but I have never tried one: http://emotiva.com/xpa5.shtm

I would personally go with Sunfire but that will be more money:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Sunfire-Cinema-G...d=p3286.c0.m14

Then after a new amp I would upgrade your speakers.

How much 2CH / HT do you listen to or would like to?

Lasareath

[LandShark]

Lasareath, thanks for your reply. I only listen to 5.1 HT. I never listen to music on my system. I will look into the amplifier you suggested. If you don't mind, what is the problem with the Monitor 70's and CS2 I already own? I researched them alot before I bought them and thought I was getting great speakers. What will i notice the most if I change speakers? Thanks again!

[Lasareath]

If you don't mind, what is the problem with the Monitor 70's and CS2 I already own?

I was just asking because i didn't know if you listened to 2CH audio as well. I'm a Vintage Polk Audio guy and I would push you towards SDA's, but for Home Theater you are doing fine.

BTW The current Polk Audio Speakers that I have found that sound almost exactly like my 1.2TL's are the new VM30's with a pair of DSW MicroPro 3000's subwoofers.

Then you'll get the best of both would, Great Home Theater and Great Two Channel.

for me I went a little different route, I bought a better amp to power my main speakers first and I still used my receiver to power the center and surrounds. This allowed me to upgrade the amp for the front speakers separately and then when I bought my 1.2TL's I had an awesome 2Ch system in the works and then I bought a 3 Channel amp for the HT and that was awesome as well.

But this is the normal progression of things around here mostly, people start out like you did, then they buy external amps, then they buy better speakers, then they start buying better gear, then better cables and every step of the way everything just starts sounding better.

But eventually you will reach a Plateau and the gain you got from the $575 MIT cable can only be increased when you buy the $3000 version!

Sal

[kawizx9r]

Lasareath, thanks for your reply. I only listen to 5.1 HT. I never listen to music on my system. I will look into the amplifier you suggested. If you don't mind, what is the problem with the Monitor 70's and CS2 I already own? I researched them alot before I bought them and thought I was getting great speakers. What will i notice the most if I change speakers? Thanks again!

They're not bad speakers at all, it really depends on your budget.

I would go with what Sal (Las) recommended though, external amplification will always help in terms of sound quality and with a good amp you could always add much better speakers and not worry about blowing them at high volumes. Speakers are more prone to damage when they're being underpowered as opposed to overpowered.

[Lasareath]

Check out Kawizx9r's System:

HT- 6.1
Fronts L/R: Polk SDA 1C
Center: Polk CS350-LS
Surrounds L/R: Polk RT1000P
Surround Rear: Polk CS150 (Modified)


Very Nice!!, Almost what I was doing, SDA's up front for great Two Channel and the rest of his speakers for really good HT

When I was using my 1.2TL's for HT it was amazing because they produce so much bass and I feel that the SDA effect helps with the HT

[LandShark]

Las, thanks again. I know all too well the way of upgradeitis lol. I began with Infinity's and went to monitor 40's before I finished with the monitor 70's (Which until now I was happy with, thanks lol). But again, the only time I use my system is when I pop in a movie or during a Bama game. I don't even turn it on anymore for regular TV.

As for my budget, It took a few years of upgrading slowly to get to this point. Anyone that hears my system is blown away but as you already know, you get used to the sound and want more. My next move will be the Amp, then an SVS sub. If I want more then, I might go to the RTi's. I love learning about this stuff and wish there were more people around here that had HT systems I could listen to to see what I'm missing (small town). Thanks!

[wutadumsn23]

If you are happy with your speaks Shark, by all means keep em around, lol. I have the 70's and am still blown away by the sound and I have had them for almost a year now. I, like you, don't do a lot of music listening, but IMHO the 70's can hold their own for music. Granted it may not be the same as listening to music on a set of SDA's, but for me my 70's get me to where I want to be. Someday I hope to have a pair of SDA's for a kick a$$ 2 ch. system, but for now it is not in the budget. I think your best option if you are happy with what you have now, and are only intrested in making what you have sound better, would be to go with a 3 or 5 ch. external amp. Look into Sunfire, Adcom, Carver for some older, vintage amps. Newer stuff, I would suggest Emotiva, specifically the XPA-3 or XPA-5. Emo gets a bad rap here on the forum sometimes, but they make quality, "affordable" gear and the guys who have them, are pleased by their performance. Good luck.

-Jeff

[Pycroft]

Shark -

I agree with your comment about wishing that more people around you were into HT and audio so you can hear setups. I think it was important for my ears to start to listen to different speakers. I just did a speaker upgrade, and I was BLOWN away with the difference. I think your speakers are very good. I've heard similar setups, and they are excellent for HT, but you can always get better. That's sick, since you have a very nice setup. Do the smart thing and do it slowly. My next step is an amp as well, so best of luck.

James

[obieone]

Land, there's absolutely NOTHING wrong with your Monitor 70's! I've got the 60's and they served me well for a year and a 1/2. The only reason I upgraded them was for 2 channel listening!
AND, I've still got them!

[cfrizz]

Your speakers are fine. As everyone else has suggested get a 5 channel amp of at least 200wpc & hear what your speakers are really capable of.

An amp will stay in your system through all other upgrades & when the time comes, it will be easy to switch out your receiver for a prepro.

The 2 channel guys just think it's better to have a separate 2 channel system. I don't. I have one system, but I have made sure to maximize the the potential of the gear that I have. If you buy good gear to begin with, your system will do both music & HT very well.

[LandShark]

Nice replies everyone...Glad to hear the speakers I once longed for are not table scraps lol. I do agree that 2 channel listening is not as good on the 70's as it might be on the SDA's LSi's etc. but I just want to improve my home theater experience. An amp it is, and I liked what I see on the Emotiva. I think the 3 channel will be a great addition. Thanks all, now I just need to find one cheap.

[wutadumsn23]

NP Shark, trust me those 70's are nothing to sneeze at. A very good speaker for what it goes for today. IMHO an amp is your next logical choice in the upgrade plan, as it will be with me once funds become available. Good luck. As far as finding an Emo cheap, check Ebay or your local CL. They don't come up often, but you may get lucky. Also, I have heard some people calling Emo directly and asking about "B" stock or refurbs, ya never know.

-Jeff

[LandShark]

Ok, 1 more question. I am adding a picture of my LR in this post and by looking at our entertainment center, if I add the 3 channel Emo amp and place it where the silver DVD recorder(below TV on left) is will it have enough room to breath? Do they get very hot like a receiver? I would guess they would but I wasn't sure if they come with fans. Thanks!

[PSOVLSK]

I don't want to get your hopes up too much, but I was very impressed when I hooked up an amp to my R50's. Really couldn't believe the difference it made.

My experience has been that the amp will not get as hot as an AVR, but I guess that could defend on the amp and the AVR. My XPA-5 runs a little warm at most, but it has plenty of room to breath. That space looks like a tight fit to me.

Nice setup. Enjoy it!!!

[Hawkeye]

That spot for an amp seems pretty tight. You could probably put it on top of the cabinet and use longer cables. You also may want to experiment with moving the speakers out away from the cabinet a bit.

Gordon

[mmadden28]

+1 ^^^
Actually it doesn't look like it will fit there at all.
Do you you have a basement?
Or perhaps you need to look for a lower profile amp???

And definitely move the speakers out a bit.

[wutadumsn23]

I agree with moving those speakers out a bit, maybe even seperating them some too. Speaker placement is the key to good sound, so experiment a little with them. As for the amp, it probably won't get as hot as an AVR as mentioned above, but what about buying a cheap rack and putting it next to the entertainment center, probably wouldn't hurt to put that 705 on it too, Onks tend to run hot and that thing must be smoking all cramped up where you have it. Then you could "center" that CS2 a bit more instead of having it pushed off to the left like it is now. Could be an option if you move those speakers out and over a little. That CS2 looks like it was a tight squeeze, lol. Nice setup, enjoy!!

-Jeff

[BlueFox]

Ok, 1 more question. I am adding a picture of my LR in this post

Bare floors, bare walls equals lots of reflections. Plus, I would guess, and that is all it is, a corner is not the best location for the HT.

I suspect that adding a rug, and sound absorbent panels on the walls will yield a big improvement in sound clarity. However, you really need a room dedicated to HT to get the best sound.

Then you can go crazy upgrading the electronics and speakers. Remember, there is always something better.

[superjunior]

I would put that whole setup on the wall to the right where the picture is, centered in the room. place the speekers in the corners of the room toed in a bit. this alone will broaden your soundstage. As others have suggested, a small audio rack right next to it should fit and give your gear some breathing room, a few room treatments to compensate for the wood floors will also help improve sound. The xpa-3 is a great budget amp, I love mine. it doesn't seem to run real hot but I wouldn't try cramming it in too tight of an area.

[Rodeo0530]

I'm just going to tell you that your living room looks beautiful and if you like the way everything sounds then keep on enjoying it.

[lakedmb]

You could try adding some panels to help with the acoustics.

[Lasareath]

Your speakers are fine. As everyone else has suggested get a 5 channel amp of at least 200wpc & hear what your speakers are really capable of.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Sunfire-Cinema-G...3D10%26ps%3D63

[PSOVLSK]

I'm just going to tell you that your living room looks beautiful and if you like the way everything sounds then keep on enjoying it.

Agreed. Lots of good advice given here, but some of it might not be practical considering the WAF. I finally got a dedicated HT that's all mine, but my 2 channel rig isn't optimal because it's in the living room. Even though my wife is VERY understanding of my hobby, she has her limits. I would love to move my speakers apart and add acoustic panels, but it's not gonna happen in the living room. (Although I am inching my speakers apart little by little:D:D)

I believe Audiosource has an amp or two that are slim and would fit in the space you have. Not the best, but if it's all that works... I'm sure there are others, but I'm not aware of them.

I do have to ask though. Where are those subs hiding???

[LandShark]

Where are those subs hiding???[/QUOTE]


They are stacked behind the entertainment center. I am thinking of putting it on the wall where the picture is I just didn't want to put the subs out in the room and have to run the cables through the ceiling again, nice idea though and I might end up doing it. Awesome response guys, thanks!

[cfrizz]

Nice setup, but I agree with the rest. Move everything over to the right wall, pull the speakers out some so they can breathe. Maybe utilize that little footstand that is on the floor to the right as an amp stand. I don't think any regular amp will fit where you want it to. Unless you get a digital amp that will fit easily.

[apphd]

Given dimensions for the XPA5, 17” W x 7.75” H x 19” D. Can't say they are correct, just what is listed. As others said that shelf looks nowhere close to big enough for something with an 8" H. If it is, all reports I have seen is it runs very cool. I have an LPA 1 that I can say runs very cool, but it is on an open shelf, and most any thing should maintain an acceptable temp. out in the open.

[LandShark]

Given dimensions for the XPA5, 17” W x 7.75” H x 19” D. Can't say they are correct, just what is listed. As others said that shelf looks nowhere close to big enough for something with an 8" H. If it is, all reports I have seen is it runs very cool. I have an LPA 1 that I can say runs very cool, but it is on an open shelf, and most any thing should maintain an acceptable temp. out in the open.

You're right. The shelf is 7" tall and 26 1/2 wide. I will come up with another place for it. I love all the different ideas, but remember guys, the Wifey... An amp on the foot stool would work when I was single but now it would be a death move lol.
My LR is 16' x 23'. I wish I could use the length of the room instead of the width. With windows on both ends it cancels that out. We are going to put this house on the market so believe me the next one I will have my HT room. I'm adding more pics for some ideas, thanks.
Also, the table in the center of the room is no longer there. Instead there is an area rug with no table and the last pic is the old sats I had.

http://picklemedia1.scrippsnetworks....5_medium.jpg?0

http://picklemedia1.scrippsnetworks....9_medium.jpg?0

http://picklemedia1.scrippsnetworks....5_medium.jpg?0

http://picklemedia1.scrippsnetworks....6_medium.JPG?0