Klipsch Synergy Polk Monitor

[ViviF0rever]

I am currently considering two different 7.1 setups and having trouble chosing one.

Klipsch Synergy 3
F-3 fronts
C-3 center
S-3 surrounds
B-3 back
Sub 12

or Polk Monitor 60
Monitor 60 fronts
CS3 center
Monitor 40 surrounds
Monitor 40 back
PSW12

both of these will be powered by Yamaha HTR-6060, maybe 6090 if i get lucky, or sony STR-DG1000 or Onkyo 805 or 804 depending on funds.

I was previously considering a a Klipsch Reference set but that became too expensive for my budget.
(klipsch reference series 62)
RF-52
RC-52
RB-51
RS-42
R-10

I have heard the Synergy F3 live and liked it a lot, i currently own a Promedia Ultra 5.1 for my computer and love it but its not enough anymore. I liked the idea of the synergy system but have heard a series of bad things about them lately and started looking at other alternatives. Let me know what your opinion is, i am willing to consider other brands also.

 

[ViviF0rever]

Since the last post i have changed many things and am looking for some quick ideas, impressions, comments, suggestions any sort of input is well welcomed.

I live in a shitty college town (State College) In Pennsylvania so my choices for audition are Polk Monitor series at Circuit City, Klipsh synergy at Best Buy, and one Paradigm dealer. That set aside i don't really have time to drive 50-100 miles to the closest dealers for most auditions so ill will very unfortunately mostly buy blindly (or deafly would be more appropriate).

The budget is under 1500 shipped for a 7.1 system. Receiver does not need to be in that.

Currently deciding between a LOT of different set-ups and would like to hear some opinions.

none of them include subwoofers because i am clueless on what subwoofer to get, price range is 250-300, preferably 250

Energy C sries (2xC500s for fronts, C-C100 for center, C-R100 for sides, C200 for backs)

Polk Rti series (2xRTI8 for fronts, Csi3 for center, Fxi3 for sides, RTi4's for backs)

Athen system 2 LS series (2x LS500 for fronts, C100 for center, 2x Energy C-R100's for sides, 2xLS300's for backs)
-i emailed athena about using Energy speakers for surrounds and they said it would be a very good combination because the tweeters are identical and they would be well balanced)

Athen system 1 AS series (2xF2.2 for fronts, C1.2 for center, 2xR1.2 for sides, 2xF1.2 for backs)

Mirage OMNI series (2xOMNI 550 for fronts, 2x Omni 150s for sides, OMNI c150 for center, OMNI 350's for backs)
-no bipole/dipole surround speaker, and their designs are a bit wierd

Polks Monitor series been pushed far down the list, Klipsch Synergy series been also pushed way down the list.

Let me know some opinions or votes or what not. Also would love suggestions for a subwoofer and a sub 400$ receiver that handles hdmi1.3 and can power these speakers

 

[corey]

Take a good look at your local Paradigm dealer. It's good to be able to listen to speakers before you buy.

In a $1500 speaker budget, I'd look up to $500 or so for a sub. If you find yourself tight on the budget, trim it first in the surrounds. Don't worry too much about getting the same brand surrounds as mains & center, and you can also consider getting 5.1 now & adding the back speakers later.

For a sub $400 receiver, I wouldn't consider video processing. Send your audio to the receiver & your video to the TV.

 

[jcPanny]

Bookshelf speaker system

Check out the 5.1 bookshelf system from SVS ($800-1000) or the AV123 X-series speakers. If you go with AV123, they have some floorstanding models in your price range like the X-sls. AV123 also has a 15" ported sub that will come out in the next couple months for $600. Might be worth the wait.

 

[billy p]

I've heard various speakers from 3 of the mfg's on your list(Polk, Athena & Energy). It's true that speakers are so subjective and must be listened to in order to form an opinion. I will say this, there were things I liked and disliked about all three! However, since your seeking opinions the Polks or Energy would be your best bet from your list. IMO the polk had slightly better imaging and detail suited for H/T and the energy sound was more subtle. Also the av123 products seem like excellent value, but I can't comment on their sound. Since you have budget constraints, look for the best value and cost saving to you.

Good Luck, Billy p

 

[ViviF0rever]

Thanx, i assume from your post that you would recomend the Polk for HT and the Energy for music?

Between subwoofers looking for input between the
http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=subwoofers&product=12.1
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=300-770
http://www.ubid.com/actn/opn/getpage.asp?AuctionId=601935231&uwb=uwbc10397

i think if i get it right the AV123 has been recommended as best value, the Dayton as loudest, and the Acoustech for quality. Does this sound right to most people, and got any other subwoofers you would recommend in this price range

 

[gus6464]

I have a pair of Omni 550's on the way and I will be ordering a C150 tomorrow. When I auditioned them it was all music so I couldn't comment on their movie performance. When they arrive (fedex says monday) I will give you my impression in regards to their movie performance.

 

[jcPanny]

Sub Options

Thanx, i assume from your post that you would recomend the Polk for HT and the Energy for music?

Between subwoofers looking for input between the
http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=subwoofers&product=12.1
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=300-770
http://www.ubid.com/actn/opn/getpage.asp?AuctionId=601935231&uwb=uwbc10397

i think if i get it right the AV123 has been recommended as best value, the Dayton as loudest, and the Acoustech for quality. Does this sound right to most people, and got any other subwoofers you would recommend in this price range

AV123 definately has the best build quality and construction off of that list.

Based on your total speaker budget, you should consider getting 2 AV123 X-subs or a 10-12" ported sub from SVS or HSU. I would recommend a quality 5.1 setup over a 7.1 setup with a low end sub.

 

[Joe Schmoe]

I owned a pair of Klipsch Reference bookshelves for a while. I really liked them at first, but developed severe listening fatigue over time. After that experience, I recommend not getting Klipsch.

 

[ViviF0rever]

So i am going to be in Boston Monday/Tuesday and since it is a large city I have seen that there are a lot of stores there where i could audition some speakers. i would like some suggestions if anybody knows on anything else i should audition.

Currently planning to check out the Polk Rti lineup at tweeters, Energy speakers hopefully at whichever of the 3 dealers has the C series, and probably Mirage Omni 550 at magnolia home theater. Any other suggestions?

Also might be a weird question but from what people have responded so far concentrating on Polk, and Energy and a bit on mirage, would you classify Athena a sort of a different league compared to Polk/Energy and possibly the same thing with Mirage?

Let me know if anybody is in Boston the Cambridge area and knows some dealers where i can check out any other companies or series of speakers in my budget range.

 

[gus6464]

So i am going to be in Boston Monday/Tuesday and since it is a large city I have seen that there are a lot of stores there where i could audition some speakers. i would like some suggestions if anybody knows on anything else i should audition.

Currently planning to check out the Polk Rti lineup at tweeters, Energy speakers hopefully at whichever of the 3 dealers has the C series, and probably Mirage Omni 550 at magnolia home theater. Any other suggestions?

Also might be a weird question but from what people have responded so far concentrating on Polk, and Energy and a bit on mirage, would you classify Athena a sort of a different league compared to Polk/Energy and possibly the same thing with Mirage?

Let me know if anybody is in Boston the Cambridge area and knows some dealers where i can check out any other companies or series of speakers in my budget range.

I have a friend who has a Polk RTi10 (mains), RTi4 (surrounds), CSi5 (center), and a HSU VTF-3 HO sub setup being powered by a Denon AVR-2307. The setup is super nice for movies and the Hsu sub is nothing short of amazing. As far as music goes not so much but he only listens to music about 2% of the time.

 

[cfrizz]

There is a store called Spirit Sound on Commonwealth Ave. I don't know if they have anything within your budget since they are hi end, but it might be worth checking out. www.spiritsound.com

There used to be a Tweeter right next door but it closed. The closest Tweeter will be on Boylston Street.

Happy shopping, & don't forget to bring a demo cd with music you are familiar with.

 

[vman71]

I would recommend going with a "used" set of Klipsch Reference series. You can find complete 5.1 sets on the Klipsch forums and those guys are honest/straight-shooters.

I say "used" so that you can get into the Reference series vs. the Synergy series. Worthwhile sonic improvement. Also, the Klipsch speakers are going to offer a few advantages over the other brands:

1. More efficient (translates into less power to drive)
2. More dynamic
3. Better soundstage & imaging

It's well worth the money to go the extra mile with speakers.

 

[gus6464]

Just to let you know buy.com is having a huge sale on the JBL Studio L series. You can get some L880 fronts and L830 surrounds with the center for around $1000.

 

[ViviF0rever]

On my way back from Boston i dropped by the Energy authrozied dealer to check them out. This was after i listened to the Klipsch reference in Best buy, the Mirage OmniSats in the same place, Polk Rti line at tweeters and there was somethign else in there. Anyway quick summary

Polk Rti, sounded great, but honestly not all that impressive considering the price, they were nice but didn't leave me jaw on the floor.

Mirage Omni.... beautiful sound out of such small speakers, but they are small and cant deal with that much, i felt that they were breaking down once the volume got a bit higher.

Klipsch Reference.... sounded awesome, i loved but out of budget.... cant really afford them.

Energy C-series.... very impressive, slightly cheaper than thePolk by about 200 i think, very impressive sound, these were right out of the box, not broken on, not even calibrated on the receiver, or set up aligned they sounded great for music. Set them then up for HT with everything, they sounded great. Yes the Polks are a bit more stronger in HT as everyone says, but the difference is very very small i felt.

Anyway moral of the story i spent 1300 on a 7.0 Energy C series speakers... then closer to home i dropped by Best Buy to pick up a temporary Yamaha V661 receiver till i decide on one and get it shipped to my house..... Now i am going to try and hook it all up before i pass out after driving for 8 straight hours.

 

[billy p]

Congrats

Did you go with the c500 or c300 up front? Just remember even though they call for a break-in period of 50-100hrs, most people feel this to be a myth. IMO set up your speakers and listen to them, at low to moderate levels with various music during that period. There's no reason to crank them, out of the box, albeit some will say let it rip. Otherwise, enjoy your new speakers!

Billy p

 

[ViviF0rever]

I got C500s up front C-c100 for center, C-100 bookshelves for rear, and c-r100s for the side surrounds. Now i just need to setup my receiver, get the old computer functional again as a HTCP and enjoy these babies.

In store they sounded great right out of the box, i plan on doing the break-in even though it is a highly debated thing.

Whats the deal on speaker wires, what gauge wire should i get?

Any experts on multi-channel inputs and what the actual name of the cables are. I have a creative X-fi that I have to hook up, just don't know what the cables are called to use.

 

[gus6464]

In store they sounded great right out of the box, i plan on doing the break-in even though it is a highly debated thing.

Did your manual also say 100 hours of break-in? I guess every brand that belongs to the Klipsch Group (Athena, Energy, Mirage) all say the same thing about speaker break-in.

I just ordered some blue jeans belden twelve white cable which is 12gauge and some banana plugs. Really can't go wrong with blue jeans for the price.

 

[ViviF0rever]

Update

So today i finally got a chance to do the multi-channel setup, and wire everything...

Lowdown.... that is a Yamaha rx v661 i picked up from best buy for (530$) until i could order and get something cheaper. The speakers are the C-500's, with a C-C100 center, C-R100 sides and C-100 backs. Some cheap *** DVD player that i dont plan on using is on top next to a 250gb external hdd. On the bottom under the center channel is an old athlong 64 to be used as HTPC. the pc is run by a creative X-Fi, and will be DVI-to-HDMI to a 42" sharp aquos later. For now a 19" LCD will let me chose what i watch, and the 10 year old TV will be for television.

 

[billy p]

Wow!!

They look great!! The one thing I would like to mention is that your centre channel is too low. If your shelves are adjustable, then you might want to move it up, to sit just below your tv's. IMO doing this would bring it closer to the listening position and make it ideal for dialogue.

Billy p