In-Wall-to-Tower Speakers...noticeable improvement?

[5arnolds]

My basement home theater system consists of the following:

- Denon AVR-2300W
- Polk Audio RC-85i in-walls - Front L&R (in drywall)
- SVS Prime Center - Center
- 2 SVS PB-2000 - Subs
- Definitive Technology ProMonitor 1000 - Rear L&R

I am considering replacing the Polk in-walls for the SVS Prime Towers (or PInnacles?). Although I expect music listening experience to be a significant improvement, I am more interested in improving my HT experience (movie sound) since my set-up is used for this movies 95% of the time. I believe that my current set-up sounds pretty good, but I'd like to get feedback whether anyone else has ever changed from either in-wall or bookshelf for their front L&R to towers and heard a notable improved difference. The Polks I have are rated at a frequency of 50-20,000 Hz with a 92 sensitivity rating and the SVS Prime Towers are 30-25,000 Hz with 87 sensitivity rating. I would expect the towers to have a more fuller sound, but I am only assuming. The sitting locations are typically 10' away from the front speakers and subs, but since we are a family of 5, it goes without saying that not everybody has an ideal sitting location when we're all together, although no one has ever complained.

Any thoughts based on experience would be much appreciated.

Dave

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

Hi Dave. I have a pair of rc85i’s installed as in ceiling in one of my rooms. Considering their price, they sound pretty good, smooth and fairly detailed. But compared to a decent tower, they don’t hold up. The primes will definitely give you more dynamics and impact, even above the XO level.
I’d recommend trying a pair out since it’s cost free.

 

[mazersteven]

Absolutely!!! That's a considerable upgrade from the Polk In-Walls to Prime Pinnacles.

 

[lovinthehd]

I'd think it's more about the quality of the in-walls and their installation details than just comparing to some box speakers.....altho the box speakers might do quite well

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

I'd think it's more about the quality of the in-walls and their installation details than just comparing to some box speakers.....altho the box speakers might do quite well

I’d say that’s true. I would have commented anyways, lol but I have a pair of his IW’s so thought it would be useful. The ones he has are pretty good. But they’re just that...pretty good.

 

[mazersteven]

I'd think it's more about the quality of the in-walls and their installation details than just comparing to some box speakers.....altho the box speakers might do quite well

The OP is talking about the difference between specific speakers the Polk Audio RC-85i vs. SVS Prime towers or Prime Pinnacles.

The Design and Quality of a well engineered Cabinet of the SVS's, vs. the Polk in-wall which has no back box just a lightweight flimsy frame is a major difference.

The quality of the Drivers and Crossover I'm sure is different.

The flexibility in placement of the SVS's vs. the Polk's

All would contribute to a better experience

 

[5arnolds]

Regarding whether to go with the Primes ($1000/pair) vs the Pinnacles ($1600/pair), since I already have 2 subs (amazing bass), i question whether the sound differences between these 2 tower would be negligible for movie-watching. I certainly do not need the towers for lower frequencies, so unless the design of the Pinnacles is really that much better vs the prime towers, it might be worth saving $600, which is more than enough to cover the cost of my last upgrade, the addition of front left and right elevation speakers.

Thoughts?

 

[ryanosaur]

Quickly...
Properly set up towers will almost always sound better.
Sound is sound... HT or Music... Orchestra or video game...
Using Bass Management and a good XO to the Sub is important. Low Frequencies are very demanding, and offloading those to a specialized speaker (the Subwoofer) helps the higher frequencies perform/sound better through more efficient use of energy.

My opinion based on reviews is that the Pinnacles are a better speaker. I don't recall right now the drivers specifically, but the Pinnacles are closer to the Ultras it seems. I would step up to those, FWIW.

 

[mazersteven]

Regarding whether to go with the Primes ($1000/pair) vs the Pinnacles ($1600/pair), since I already have 2 subs (amazing bass), i question whether the sound differences between these 2 tower would be negligible for movie-watching. I certainly do not need the towers for lower frequencies, so unless the design of the Pinnacles is really that much better vs the prime towers, it might be worth saving $600, which is more than enough to cover the cost of my last upgrade, the addition of front left and right elevation speakers.

Thoughts?

I really like the Pinnacles. Worth spending the extra $600

SVS Prime Pinnacle Tower Speaker Review

SVS launched their new flagship Prime Pinnacle tower speaker. The Prime Pinnacle is a beefy-looking three-way tower speaker, but is it more than just a new version of the Prime tower? Read on.

www.audioholics.com

 

[William Lemmerhirt]

Quickly...
Properly set up towers will almost always sound better.
Sound is sound... HT or Music... Orchestra or video game...
Using Bass Management and a good XO to the Sub is important. Low Frequencies are very demanding, and offloading those to a specialized speaker (the Subwoofer) helps the higher frequencies perform/sound better through more efficient use of energy.

My opinion based on reviews is that the Pinnacles are a better speaker. I don't recall right now the drivers specifically, but the Pinnacles are closer to the Ultras it seems. I would step up to those, FWIW.

I agree with this. Good sound is good sound. I believe in one system for all media but everyone’s mileage will be different. Iirc, the pinnacles have a better smoother tweeter, and are less fatiguing over time.

OP, Maybe it wouldn’t matter to you guys. If the kids are always talking, or moving around eating popcorn etc but Ime better speakers do contribute to better experience.

 

[5arnolds]

Thanks for all of the input. I’ll probably be moving toward pinnacles by Christmas.