Updating 5.1 System! Recommendations Welcome!

[hebed118]

Hello everyone! I'm looking to update my 5.1 system put together years ago. I have around $3500 to play with. I enjoy listening to music quite a bit, and I feel that is one of the weak points on my current system. I also really enjoy movies with some gaming mixed in from time to time. Below is my current setup. Based on this, what would you guys recommend as upgrades or additions? I have been looking at the SVS speakers and a new AVR, but I'm very open to any suggestions. I've also attached a rough sketch of my layout.

Current Setup
AVR: Onyko 608
Towers: Polk RTi8
Center: Polk CSi5
Surround: Polk FxiA4
Sub: SVS PB12 NSD
TV: Panasonic P60ST60

 

[afterlife2]

Welcome. Here is a nice way to start: http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/yamrxa730bl/yamaha-rx-a730-aventage-7.2-av-receiver-airplay/1.html
Is the sub still working fine? I'll leave the speaker suggestions to the other members.

 

[hebed118]

Thanks!! I will take a look. Any thoughts on the Denon 4000?

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Start with speakers first. Ascend 340se for lcr or whole 5.0. You already have nice svs sub. I would recommend getting a second one, but svs don't make your model anymore. Closest one is pb2000,but its not identical. Talk to svs, they might be able to help you with that. As for avr. I highly recommend denon. X4000 is great choice. Best to buy it b-stock on Amazon (warehouse deals)
They biggest advantage is 3 year warranty vs only one on refurbished models.

 

[hebed118]

Thanks! I'll take a look through those!

 

[zieglj01]

Hello everyone! I'm looking to update my 5.1 system put together years ago. I have around $3500 to play with. I enjoy listening to music quite a bit, and I feel that is one of the weak points on my current system.

I recommend you look into the JBL Studio 5 series for fronts.

Overall the Studio 5 series has been well received for music,
and will do a good job for music/HT/games.

Studio 580 fronts - sold each
http://www.amazon.com/JBL-Studio-580-Floorstanding-Loudspeaker/dp/B0060IG460/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1422336458&sr=8-1&keywords=jbl+studio+580&pebp=1422336476587&peasin=B0060IG460

Studio 520 center
http://www.amazon.com/JBL-Studio-520CBK-Channel-Speaker/dp/B00622SUHK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1422336499&sr=8-1&keywords=jbl+studio+520&pebp=1422336506744&peasin=B00622SUHK

If hanging the surrounds - the Studio 210 can work
http://www.amazon.com/JBL-Studio-210-Surround-Loudspeaker/dp/B00GK22KYG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1422337823&sr=8-1&keywords=jbl+studio+210

A review of the bigger 590 towers
http://i.nextmedia.com.au/avhub/australian-hifi_reviews_2013_2013-08_jbl-studio-590-loudspeakers-review.pdf

I am a former owner of the Studio 530 bookshelf speakers - and I along
with many people, really enjoyed them for music. They were nearly as
good as my $1250 list price Snell K7 speakers > Some of the speakers
that others have subjectively, chosen (preferred) the JBL 530 over are the
Aperion Intimus 5B, Ascend Acoustics Sierra, Audioengine P4, Axiom Audio M22,
B&W CM5 & 683 & 685, Dali Mentor & Icon, Dynaudio Contour & Focus, Epos Epic 1,
GoldenEar Triton & Aon, Linn, NHT Classic 3, Magnepan MMG & 1.6, Monitor Audio
Silver RS6 & RX1, KEF Q300, RSL CG4, Revel F12, Tekton Design Model 4.5.
Paradigm Studuo 20, Infinity IL40's and IL10's, and PSB Image


However, it all comes down to your ears and preference - enjoy your new audio
adventure search.

 

[herbu]

Hello everyone! I'm looking to update my 5.1 system put together years ago. I have around $3500 to play with. I enjoy listening to music quite a bit, and I feel that is one of the weak points on my current system.

The biggest bang for your buck will be the Front Left/Right speakers. I think you will be happier, and satisfied longer, if you put ALL your money in getting the very best L/R speakers you can. Lots of great choices in the $3500 range.

I suppose your AVR and sub are working. You can move your towers to surround duty, or just keep the surrounds you have. You probably realize the surrounds are kind of like backup singers. The stars are always your L/Rs. They will make your stereo music shine.

After the L/R, save up for a new Center on par w/ the L/Rs. Last, upgrade your surrounds if you must, but I can tell you it will make a small difference.

If you split your $3500 among your whole 5.1 system now, I can promise you that you'll revisit your L/R and upgrade again later. You could be satisfied for life w/ the right pair of $3500 L/Rs.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Thanks!! I will take a look. Any thoughts on the Denon 4000?

I would call OneCall and Electronics Expo and see if they could get you a new Denon X4000 for $700. Current price is $800, but I've seen around $690 new on Amazon.

 

[Dr. Bob]

I second herbu's suggestion: unless you're dissatisfied with the Onkyo for some reason, put it all into speakers. I absolutely love my Paradigm S1's I just bought - by far the most musical of the many speakers I auditioned, and incredibly accurate imaging. You might try the S2's - with the subwoofer, they'd probably be adequate replacement for your towers. Or, if you insist on towers, try the Prestige series (I haven't listened to these).

 

[afterlife2]

Thanks!! I will take a look. Any thoughts on the Denon 4000?

Just my opinion, but I'd rather go with the Yamaha I linked. You can also do a search on the site they have other brands. Is there something wrong with the Onkyo? If not just get a laptop to keep it running cool. Plug the usb in the front of the Onkyo. With the air circulating out. That's what I use on my receiver and no problems at all: http://www.amazon.com/Notebook-Cooler-Cooling-Supports-notebook/dp/B003ND2Y7S/ref=sr_1_23?ie=UTF8&qid=1422379356&sr=8-23&keywords=laptop+cooler+15.6
How big is the area that you have your home theater? That will determine if you will need 1 or 2 subs. Are you looking for bookshelf speakers or Tower speaker fronts? Maybe takes some pics of your setup for more help.

 

[hebed118]

Thanks again guys for all of the feedback!! Keep it coming!

zieglj01,
I'll take a look at the JBLs you mentioned.

herbu,
Thank you very much for your adivce! It makes perfect sense to me. My sub and AVR are working without any issues. After reading your response, I think I'm going to shoot for a good set of towers!

Dr. Bob,
I'll take a look at these too!

afterlife2,
I'm on a business trip currently. I will take some measurements when I return. Roughly the area is 15x20 if I had to guess. I do prefer tower speakers.

What are you guys thoughts on GoldenEar Triton 2s or Revel F206s? Just tossing some brands around.

Music 45%
Movies 35%
Games 30%

 

[hebed118]

Thoughts on KEF Q900s? Looking at accessoriesforless I could pickup these for ~650ea.

 

[JohnnieB]

Hey hebed, I think going with herbu's suggestion is a sound plan.
In your price range, I would definitely put these three on my list.

I have not heard the Revel F206, but I did demo the F208. I loved the sound, but couldn't swing the price.

Ascends were mentioned, and for towers, the Sierras are a great speaker. I have them with the RAAL upgrade WOW.

In that price range the Salk Song Towers are worth considering as well. I have not heard them but they have a flat response and get many favorable reviews.

Definitely try to demo anything you are considering. The I.D. companies forums have members who may live in your area, who would be willing to offer a demo.

Happy shopping.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Not sure If Philharmonic Slim towers fit your budget, but they are beyond reproach.
The reason I mention them is Dennis Murthy (from Philharmonic Audio) was designing significant portion of crossovers for Salk audio speakers. Together with another very talented audio designer Jeff Bagby