Nakamichi 9.2 vs my current setup with polk psw505

[Whistler]

Sorry if this is the wrong spot, i'm a noob here.

As the title states, my current setup has 2x psw505 subs made by polk, rated at 300rms 460 peak each speaker. Receiver is a denon avr 688. Polk bookshelf front speakers. Center, sides, and back are Panasonic ones i found on the shelf at goodwill.

We have really been wanting to rearrange our living room, and be being picky about my wiring, cries a little bit because i remember running all the wires in my attic in the squat position (i'm 6'5)... it kinda sucked for a week after lol. If we rearrange... i gotta re run all the wires.

Having said that, i discovered the nakamichi 9.2, the new version i guess with Dolby atmos and whatnot. All reviews I've read are great, the CES was a success for it, etc. My concern is that the subs together on the nakamichi are 470 peak together... so i'm worried about losing a lot of bass. However, i've never really put my polk subs above about 50-60% power/volume via the controls on its backside, so i'm thinking there wouldn't be much difference anyways? I love my bass, but.... damn... that have a lot of bass, and it kinda just renders all other sounds useless if you turn it up lol.

So is it safe to assume with the claimed quality of the nakamichi compared to my current setup, would it still be a worthwhile expenditure in yalls opinion? I have been debating just getting it and seeing how i like it and if i don't like it, return it and at least I'd know. But i've seen a few people talk about it on here, so figured i could get some decent insight and opinions before i drop 1200.

Thank yall and have a great day

Edit to add some info:
Polk psw505:

Low-Pass crossover frequency 60-120Hz

Frequency response 28-125 Hz

Sensitivity, dB
85

Frequency Response: The overall frequency response for the subwoofer is 23-160Hz, and the -3 dB frequency response is 28-125Hz.

Nakamichi:

FREQUENCY RESPONSE 30Hz - 22kHz (google says 22khz is 22000 hz? Sounds high).

Wireless Subwoofers are rated -3dB @ 30Hz.

WIRELESS SUBWOOFER TX/RX
5.8GHz

Up to 110db

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

Well yes. While the 505 isn’t a super awesome subwoofer, keep in mind you have two 12” subs tuned to about 30hz(I measured one in my room down to about 28hz before it fell like a rock). The nakamichi comes with two 8” subs tuned to 35 which is probably a little bit of a stretch. 8” and subwoofer don’t belong in the same sentence to me. So your 505’s have 100% more surface area, so just on that they’ll have to work much less to put out more bass. So yeah, IMO you’d be losing a lot of bass. Also keep in mind power ratings don’t mean that much really. The combination of driver/amp/enclosure are what determines a subs output/extension much more than the simple power spec. So, I would keep the 505’s(while saving to upgrade them) and get better fronts. That would definitely help to balance your sound and give a more cohesive front stage. After that, focus on new subs.

As far as all the good press for the NAK, I think for what it is, it’s one of the better performers. But compared to a well built traditional surround system, I don’t thing it can compare. Its possible that the nakamichi package as a whole is more cohesive than your current one, but I’d rather see you take some time and build a better surround system that would destroy that thing. How big is your room? For 1200 bucks, there are a lot better ways to do it. Unless you reeeeeally don’t want to go back in the attic. Can you go under base boards, or basements or wires?

It’s kinda funny, we’ve had a lot of Polk 505 owners popping in lately. I wonder if there was some good Christmas sales? Lol

 

[Whistler]

Well yes. While the 505 isn’t a super awesome subwoofer, keep in mind you have two 12” subs tuned to about 30hz(I measured one in my room down to about 28hz before it fell like a rock). The nakamichi comes with two 8” subs tuned to 35 which is probably a little bit of a stretch. 8” and subwoofer don’t belong in the same sentence to me. So your 505’s have 100% more surface area, so just on that they’ll have to work much less to put out more bass. So yeah, IMO you’d be losing a lot of bass. Also keep in mind power ratings don’t mean that much really. The combination of driver/amp/enclosure are what determines a subs output/extension much more than the simple power spec. So, I would keep the 505’s(while saving to upgrade them) and get better fronts. That would definitely help to balance your sound and give a more cohesive front stage. After that, focus on new subs.

As far as all the good press for the NAK, I think for what it is, it’s one of the better performers. But compared to a well built traditional surround system, I don’t thing it can compare. Its possible that the nakamichi package as a whole is more cohesive than your current one, but I’d rather see you take some time and build a better surround system that would destroy that thing. How big is your room? For 1200 bucks, there are a lot better ways to do it. Unless you reeeeeally don’t want to go back in the attic. Can you go under base boards, or basements or wires?

It’s kinda funny, we’ve had a lot of Polk 505 owners popping in lately. I wonder if there was some good Christmas sales? Lol

The nakamichi 9.2 is 2x 10" subs. That make much of a diff? And yeah i got the 505s when they were 194 each. They're now 400 each lol

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

The nakamichi 9.2 is 2x 10" subs. That make much of a diff? And yeah i got the 505s when they were 194 each. They're now 400 each lol

Well to me, no that’s not enough difference. The polks are still 20% larger each. If a soundbar is what you want, the NAK seems like the one to get. But for less money you can do better, performance wise. Here’s a crazy sale on the JBL 500 series.
https://www.harmanaudio.com/speakers/#prefn1=brand&prefn2=isRefurbished&prefv3=false&prefv1=JBL&prefv2=false&prefn3=isSupport
For 880, you can have a kicka$$ front end that will be better in every way(unless your significant other has something against speakers lol. Like mine)and probably outpace those 505’s. That would balance you out. You mentioned the bass kind of overpowering the others. Did you level match everything?
Full disclosure, I am not a soundbar guy, so you might have gotten the wrong guy to respond right away lol. If you’re looking for more direct input about the NAK systems, I hope one of the other guys can help you.

 

[Whistler]

Well to me, no that’s not enough difference. The polks are still 20% larger each. If a soundbar is what you want, the NAK seems like the one to get. But for less money you can do better, performance wise. Here’s a crazy sale on the JBL 500
For 880, you can have a kicka$$ fat will be better in every way(unless your significant other has something against speakers lol. Like mine)and probably outpace those 505’s. That would balance you out. You mentioned the bass kind of overpowering the others. Did you level match everything?
Full disclosure, I am not a soundbar guy, so you might have gotten the wrong guy to respond right away lol. If you’re looking for more direct input about the NAK systems, I hope one of the other guys can help you.

Things are mostly level. It just mostly over powered when i was just seeing what they could do lol. Honestly she could care less about speakers, although we don't have much room for towers sadly. It's more that we like to rearrange time to time, and we're limited when we can't move the tv. So it's mostly just swapping couches and chairs but still sitting in the same spot lol. I was never much of a soundbar guy but i got the new vizio 5.1 for my bedroom (got a cheap silo 50" 4k for xmas and the built in speakers suck), and i was actually pretty darn impressed. Soundbars seem to be coming up in the world.

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

Yeah moving the room periodically can be a challenge especially when your dealing with surround sound. I’m a little more obsessive I guess. Our couch has remained in the same spot for 15 years since we built our house. I even put in a column to house my right surround speaker.(yeah my wife hates it lol. But most ppl like it). 7.3.4 in the LR and 5.1 in the BR with 4 other systems in house, although simpler, no soundbars here! lol. They have their place and have definitely come a long way though. Wish I could offer you something more useful on the nakamichi side.

 

[Whistler]

Yeah moving the room periodically can be a challenge especially when your dealing with surround sound. I’m a little more obsessive I guess. Our couch has remained in the same spot for 15 years since we built our house. I even put in a column to house my right surround speaker.(yeah my wife hates it lol. But most ppl like it). 7.3.4 in the LR and 5.1 in the BR with 4 other systems in house, although simpler, no soundbars here! lol. They have their place and have definitely come a long way though. Wish I could offer you something more useful on the nakamichi side.

It's no problem. I appreciate all input. My goal is to get a new house eventually and i'm going to dedicate one room as a theater room and it'll stay as is for a long time lol. And i'll probably never leave the room

 

[lovinthehd]

You can't compare the sub amp wattage ratings meaningfully without more information (like impedance/sensitivity info). I'd stick with your current subs/speaker setup until you can save up for something significantly better for subs/speakers. Not familiar with soundbars and generally they don't appeal partiularly as they aren't really friendly with upgrades/using other gear.

 

[Whistler]

Polk psw505:

Low-Pass crossover frequency 60-120Hz

Frequency response 28-125 Hz

Sensitivity, dB
85

Frequency Response: The overall frequency response for the subwoofer is 23-160Hz, and the -3 dB frequency response is 28-125Hz.

Nakamichi:

FREQUENCY RESPONSE 30Hz - 22kHz (google says 22khz is 22000 hz? Sounds high).

Wireless Subwoofers are rated -3dB @ 30Hz.

WIRELESS SUBWOOFER TX/RX
5.8GHz

Up to 110db


That's about all i can find for that. If that's what you're talking about. I have no doubt the speakers themselves are better than what i have now... i'm mostly focused on the subs.

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

Polk psw505:

Low-Pass crossover frequency 60-120Hz

Frequency response 28-125 Hz

Sensitivity, dB
85

Frequency Response: The overall frequency response for the subwoofer is 23-160Hz, and the -3 dB frequency response is 28-125Hz.

Nakamichi:

FREQUENCY RESPONSE 30Hz - 22kHz (google says 22khz is 22000 hz? Sounds high).

Wireless Subwoofers are rated -3dB @ 30Hz.

WIRELESS SUBWOOFER TX/RX
5.8GHz

Up to 110db


That's about all i can find for that. If that's what you're talking about. I have no doubt the speakers themselves are better than what i have now... i'm mostly focused on the subs.

If it’s mostly the subs, then definitely do NOT buy the NAK set. 1200(or more if your comparing for to the 9.2) can buy you a lot of quality bass. FWIW, I have a 505 in my house. It’s not my main sub or even close but I can tell you based on first hand experience if you want better bass, move them 505’s to a different room or garage or Craigslist or whatever. Then spend that money right. The NAK subs are not subs in the truer sense of the word and you won’t be happy. Just trying to keep you focused on the right thing is all.

 

[lovinthehd]

Wow Polk provided a sub sensitivity spec, that's a surprise but what's it based on? Hopefully 2.83V/1m which is the standard. Here's a review with some measurements if you haven't seen it https://hometheaterhifi.com/volume_12_2/polk-psw-505-subwoofer-4-2005.html. Not my favorite brand for subs, but that's one of Polk's better efforts and likely as good if not better than the ones with the Nakamichi soundbar.

Yes kHz is an abbrevation for thousands (or kilo) Hertz. Most humans can't hear past 20kHz....and quite a bit lower for many of us older guys That sounds then like a system spec for range, and not just the subwoofer part of that Nakamichi system. The wireless frequency in giga Hertz isn't going to tell you anything about the performance of the sub itself, that's just the wireless carrier frequency. Max dB at what frequency? Not a very helpful spec, just indicates it's capable of loud.

What speakers do you have with the subs now? They may be just as good as the soundbar's....hard to know.

If you want better quality subwoofers, check out sub specialists like SVS, Hsu Research, Rythmik, Power Sound Audio. Maybe even DIY if you have the inclination/time/tools/skills.

 

[Whistler]

If it’s mostly the subs, then definitely do NOT buy the NAK set. 1200(or more if your comparing for to the 9.2) can buy you a lot of quality bass. FWIW, I have a 505 in my house. It’s not my main sub or even close but I can tell you based on first hand experience if you want better bass, move them 505’s to a different room or garage or Craigslist or whatever. Then spend that money right. The NAK subs are not subs in the truer sense of the word and you won’t be happy. Just trying to keep you focused on the right thing is all.

Not trying for MORE bass, just don't want to lose A LOT... but as mentioned, i haven't ever turned the knob on the back of my 505s past barely halfway. Just trying to compare more for the ease of being able to rearrange my living room and not have to re run all my wires through the attic is my main focus.

 

[Whistler]

Wow Polk provided a sub sensitivity spec, that's a surprise but what's it based on? Hopefully 2.83V/1m which is the standard. Here's a review with some measurements if you haven't seen it https://hometheaterhifi.com/volume_12_2/polk-psw-505-subwoofer-4-2005.html. Not my favorite brand for subs, but that's one of Polk's better efforts and likely as good if not better than the ones with the Nakamichi soundbar.

Yes kHz is an abbrevation for thousands (or kilo) Hertz. Most humans can't hear past 20kHz....and quite a bit lower for many of us older guys That sounds then like a system spec for range, and not just the subwoofer part of that Nakamichi system. The wireless frequency in giga Hertz isn't going to tell you anything about the performance of the sub itself, that's just the wireless carrier frequency. Max dB at what frequency? Not a very helpful spec, just indicates it's capable of loud.

What speakers do you have with the subs now? They may be just as good as the soundbar's....hard to know.

If you want better quality subwoofers, check out sub specialists like SVS, Hsu Research, Rythmik, Power Sound Audio. Maybe even DIY if you have the inclination/time/tools/skills.

I'm not 100% polk supplied that but that was about the only thing i could find anywhere. Was trying to pull as much specs as i could find. I've never really focused on specs other than rms ratings, mostly because i was doing a lot of car audio, which i figured was same concept in home audio, but it's seeming that's not quite the case lol. Right now as mentioned in my op, i just have some cheapo panasonic speakers i found at goodwill for my center, sr sl, br and bl... fl and fr are some polk old school bookshelf speakers i found at a swap meet. Avr is a denon avr 688

 

[lovinthehd]

I'm not 100% polk supplied that but that was about the only thing i could find anywhere. Was trying to pull as much specs as i could find. I've never really focused on specs other than rms ratings, mostly because i was doing a lot of car audio, which i figured was same concept in home audio, but it's seeming that's not quite the case lol. Right now as mentioned in my op, i just have some cheapo panasonic speakers i found at goodwill for my center, sr sl, br and bl... fl and fr are some polk old school bookshelf speakers i found at a swap meet. Avr is a denon avr 688

Continuous power ratings aren't all that useful for not just subs, but speakers as well (a max power spec for a speaker whether continuous or peak still doesn't tell you much other than an upper limit before meltdown usually). Sensitivity is a far more useful spec in terms of judging how loud a speaker can get with what power, better to have a variety of measurements to consider, tho. An impedance graph can be helpful for determining a proper amp also. To start upgrading it may be time to spend some time on speakers....those Panasonics don't sound encouraging but as with most speaker brands, the brand itself is fairly meaningless without discussing a specific model.

 

[Whistler]

Continuous power ratings aren't all that useful for not just subs, but speakers as well (a max power spec for a speaker whether continuous or peak still doesn't tell you much other than an upper limit before meltdown usually). Sensitivity is a far more useful spec in terms of judging how loud a speaker can get with what power, better to have a variety of measurements to consider, tho. An impedance graph can be helpful for determining a proper amp also. To start upgrading it may be time to spend some time on speakers....those Panasonics don't sound encouraging but as with most speaker brands, the brand itself is fairly meaningless without discussing a specific model.

I'll get the models when i get home. I forgot i have a buddy that owns a home entertainment install business. Gave me some input. I may just upgrade my reciever and all my speakers minus the subs. My main gripe was mostly just having to re run all the wiring thru my attic again. Since i don't plan to make this house my forever home, he suggests cable runners along bottom of wall for easy removal when i sell my house. Sounds like that 1200 i would spend on the nakamichi could go far in upgrades

 

[lovinthehd]

A new receiver is nice if you want the updated features for 4k/Atmos. Speakers are where the best source of improvement will be for sound quality. Spend as much on your speakers (and subs are speakers, too) as you can....

 

[Whistler]

A new receiver is nice if you want the updated features for 4k/Atmos. Speakers are where the best source of improvement will be for sound quality. Spend as much on your speakers (and subs are speakers, too) as you can....

New features WOULD be nice. My avr 688 is decent but it only has 1 sub out so currently my subs are ran off a splitter... would be nice to see how they do with their own dedicated sub out lol. I'm thinking upgrade to a 7.2 receiver or see what prices are like for 9.2 for future upgrades. I'll start looking around the forums and see what people recommend vs what i want to spend. I mean... i was about to spend 1200 on a soundbar 9.2 system, i figure for a little less, i can get a decent setup. Since i have dogs and kids, i don't wanna go super extravagant until i have a dedicated theater room where i can lock them out lol

 

[lovinthehd]

New features WOULD be nice. My avr 688 is decent but it only has 1 sub out so currently my subs are ran off a splitter... would be nice to see how they do with their own dedicated sub out lol. I'm thinking upgrade to a 7.2 receiver or see what prices are like for 9.2 for future upgrades. I'll start looking around the forums and see what people recommend vs what i want to spend. I mean... i was about to spend 1200 on a soundbar 9.2 system, i figure for a little less, i can get a decent setup. Since i have dogs and kids, i don't wanna go super extravagant until i have a dedicated theater room where i can lock them out lol

Many avrs with two sub pre-outs merely use an internal splitter; a dedicated sub pre-out won't be an advantage. You could split your single sub pre-out to four subs easily now.

ps There are some higher end avrs with two discrete sub pre-outs in terms of adjusting delay/level separately for each sub, tho.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Sounds like that 1200 i would spend on the nakamichi could go far in upgrades

So you have $1200 in your current HT piggy bank. Put a little into this piggy bank every month. Maybe by next year you'll have $3,000. In 2 years, you'll have $5,000. Then you can change your entire system for a really nice one.

In the mean time, do some more research and plan your next $5,000 system.