Help on Speaker Decision

[LennyPepperidge]

With the purchase of a new television, I've decided to also upgrade my home theater system. For the last ten years, I've had a rather mediocre Panasonic theater in a box that's served my needs but never really excited me. I'm no audiophile but want to step up a bit.

The system will primarily be used for movies/live sports with music a secondary consideration and no gaming.

The room is on the ground floor of an old Chicago row house. It's 18' x 12' with 8' ceilings (222 sq ft/1728 cubic ft) and there is one opening at the back leading to a slightly smaller room, which we've rehabbed into a full bar.

Based on some of the threads here, I've purchased a Yamaha RX-V375. Currently, I'm running it just with two old JBL 2600 bookshelf speakers that I've had for about twenty years and are still in very good condition.

My question is regarding the speakers. I plan on using the JBLs as surround speakers, so I need a center channel/sub/front speakers. I've pretty much decided on Polk Audio TSi series but wonder--given my needs and the size of the room--whether the extra cost for Tsi 300 vs. 400 vs. 500 is worth it? Same question for the subwoofer. Should I get the 10"/100W or the 12"/300W?

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[fuzz092888]

What made you decided on the polk over something like the Andrew Jones Pioneer speakers?

 

[LennyPepperidge]

What made you decided on the polk over something like the Andrew Jones Pioneer speakers?

I was leaning in that direction due to some positive reviews of the company as excellent bang for the buck. My decision was kind of finalized when I had the opportunity to buy the CS20 center channel speaker practically new (used less than six months) for $65. A lot of people seem to be saying (correct me if wrong) that the front three speakers should generally be the same brand/line, so I was going to build off the center channel.

 

[fuzz092888]

I was leaning in that direction due to some positive reviews of the company as excellent bang for the buck. My decision was kind of finalized when I had the opportunity to by the CS20 center channel speaker practically new (used less than six months) for $65. A lot of people seem to be saying (correct me if wrong) that the front three speakers should generally be the same brand/line, so I was going to build off the center channel.

Nothing for nothing, but the front L/R are generally the most important and you usually build off of those. In any case, since you already have the center, I would get the 300's and save as much money for the sub as you can. You don't have a huge space, but you'll appreciate a good sub more than you would the 400's or 500's. Have you every heard the Polk speakers you're thinking of buying?

 

[LennyPepperidge]

Nothing for nothing, but the front L/R are generally the most important and you usually build off of those. In any case, since you already have the center, I would get the 300's and save as much money for the sub as you can. You don't have a huge space, but you'll appreciate a good sub more than you would the 400's or 500's. Have you every heard the Polk speakers you're thinking of buying?

I haven't, other than the center channel, which I bought, but I've heard a system with other Polk speakers that I really was impressed with.

Is there anything out there that you really recommend in the same price range? I only have $65 invested in the center channel and could probably easily recoup that on ebay. I'd like to stay as close to a grand as possible for the front R-L, Center and subwoofer.

 

[fuzz092888]

I like the Pioneers and with black friday coming up you can usually find some good deals on them, both online and in store. Personally I like them more than the Polks, but you may not. Your best bet is to get to a best buy or other electronics store that has one or both and take a listen. Just make sure you bring a CD to demo them.

 

[agarwalro]

...we've rehabbed into a full bar...

Usually folks go from bars to get rehabbed .

 

[zieglj01]

Take a look at the Definitive Tech speakers

1 pair of SM 450 for the l/r speakers

1 pair of SM 350, and use 1 ea as a center channel - and have a spare
Newegg.com - Electronics, Home Audio, Home Audio Speakers, Bookshelf Speakers

Then make an offer of $375 for the PA-150 subwoofer
http://www.acousticsounddesign.com/core/view_BigProduct.cfm?pid=1825&sc=28