Is this setup good? Any suggestions?

[Sooruj]

While reading this please keep in mind I just got into the world of home theater systems less than a week ago. I have had this 52" Sony Bravia for the longest time and have to put up with the less than stellar sound it emits. So this Boxing Day I bought the set up rather blindly knowing that I could return most of it if I didn't like it. So here is what I got:

Pioneer 7.2 Channel Network Receiver (VSX-1326-K) ($750)
Klipsch RC-62 Center Speaker ($350)
Polk Audio Monitor 70 ($350 for the pair)
Klipsch Synergy Sub 12 ($300)
JBL Loft 40 Bookshelf Speakers ($100 for the pair)
Polk Audio RTi12 ($350, only got one)

*I also got a polk audio psw505 for $300, but I think it is inferior to the Klipsch after listening to both.

The reason I only have one rti12 is because futureshop messed up by stating they were selling a pair for $350, yet they have some dumb rule that they can change it at will, so they are only sending me one. I think I'm going to return it as I can't find another one to pair it with. Are there any fallacies in my set up? Can you recommend any better speakers at similar price points. For reference my media room is 11' x 19' x 8'. The only door in the room is unfortunately a glass french door. I have considered putting a curtain over it, do you believe this would make a difference?

Please feel free to give as many suggestions and tips as possible.

 

[Adam]

Hi, and welcome to the forum!

I think that the Pioneer is a good choice. My last two receivers are Pioneers, and I've been really happy with them. I don't have any opinions on the brands or models of speakers that you picked, but others here might.

The thing that stood out to me was that you have different brands (with different drivers) for your front left/right speakers versus your center channel. Ideally, you would use speakers that are tonally matched so that the sound is consistent as it moves across the front (say, for a motorcycle going from left to right in a movie). That said, the MCACC auto calibration system in your Pioneer may be able to make them sound nearly the same. Your VSX-1326 has what I think is Pioneer's most advanced MCACC. It made a world of difference with my speakers in my room (although, they were the same brand and series).

So, my suggestion is to get your system set up, run the MCACC calibration on your Pioneer, and then determine if you think that your front and center speakers are a good combination.

 

[Sooruj]

I appreciate the post. Would you suggest I build the front around the monitor 70's or rc-62? Also, do the surround speakers have to match the front? Thanks

 

[Adam]

I appreciate the post. Would you suggest I build the front around the monitor 70's or rc-62? Also, do the surround speakers have to match the front? Thanks

I've never heard any of those speakers, so I don't have an opinion on which I'd build the front around. I'd say go with what you like better. Again, though, the Pioneer may be able to get them to match up.

It's not nearly as important for the surround speakers to match up to the fronts. You will notice a difference between really bad surround speakers and decent ones, but having them not be the same make/model as the fronts isn't critical. Again, your Pioneer will help get the speakers to sound similar.