7.1 choice of speakers (Leave suggetions please! :P )

[krum]

Yea, I'd prob end up getting some kind of stand for them. I was wondering since a player (blu ray or any), already has a video and audio decoders, how do you shut them off? Is there an option in the players menu? I ask because I figured it would auto decode the video and audio and send the already decoded data to the receiver... How can the receiver decode the data when it was already decoded by the player? Might seem like an odd question, but I've been wondering about it for a long time.

 

[sholling]

Yea, I'd prob end up getting some kind of stand for them. I was wondering since a player (blu ray or any), already has a video and audio decoders, how do you shut them off? Is there an option in the players menu? I ask because I figured it would auto decode the video and audio and send the already decoded data to the receiver... How can the receiver decode the data when it was already decoded by the player? Might seem like an odd question, but I've been wondering about it for a long time.

I can't answer for other brands but with Onkyos you go in the setup menu for and for each input tell it how you want it to handle each type of signal. It's an easy one-time thing. After that it just detects and handles anything you throw at it.

 

[nadroj]

If you do decide to purchase the B2030's from B&H make sure use bing (extra 5% cash back) http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=66992

I think your best bet here is to go with the Behringers. They are only sold in pairs, but it never hurts to have a back up because crazy stuff does happen.

I have seen single speakers being sold, however the cheapest I have seen is $75 shipped so it is probably worth it to spend an extra $30 to get a backup.

http://www.amazon.com/Behringer-B2030P-Passive-Monitor-Single/dp/B0002Z82LW/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=musical-instruments&qid=1279321627&sr=8-3

 

[ohskigod]

hate to go against the grain. The OP was looking for possible alternatives Polk's Monitor line.

while there are many other alternatives (I know someone mentioned Boston Acoustics, not a bad suggestion at all), I am having some qualms about recommending a near field monitor as a replacement. (I.E. the Behringer b2030).

I am aware of those monitors, they were on a shortlist for some cheap monitor work on a casual home studio setup I have (heavy emphasis on casual). I'll say this, thanks to you guys for telling me indirectly where to get them cheap if i go that option.....you guys might have saved me some cheddar.

I can see using them in a smaller theater/gaming rig where you dont want to dump a ton of coin into, but I have to say your going to get a far better theater experience out of the Monitor line....as well as some of the other alternatives I have heard in this thread.

Near field monitors serve a completely different function than a floorstander. Monitors like the behringer on a desktop being used to mix audio while your sitting on a chair in front of them is a win. in a full theater application, even in a apt? I don't know man, I just don't know

 

[KEW]

hate to go against the grain. The OP was looking for possible alternatives Polk's Monitor line.

while there are many other alternatives (I know someone mentioned Boston Acoustics, not a bad suggestion at all), I am having some qualms about recommending a near field monitor as a replacement. (I.E. the Behringer b2030).

I am aware of those monitors, they were on a shortlist for some cheap monitor work on a casual home studio setup I have (heavy emphasis on casual). I'll say this, thanks to you guys for telling me indirectly where to get them cheap if i go that option.....you guys might have saved me some cheddar.

I can see using them in a smaller theater/gaming rig where you dont want to dump a ton of coin into, but I have to say your going to get a far better theater experience out of the Monitor line....as well as some of the other alternatives I have heard in this thread.

Near field monitors serve a completely different function than a floorstander. Monitors like the behringer on a desktop being used to mix audio while your sitting on a chair in front of them is a win. in a full theater application, even in a apt? I don't know man, I just don't know

I have listen to B2031's; the larger brother of the B2030's in a large room and I have to say that although they are designed as near field speakers, they work very well in a far-field situation. If you are getting a sub, the 2030's are probably a better choice for better sound quality.

I think lsiberian's recommendation is a "sweet-spot" on the audio cost/performance curve.


Having said that, if (because of WAF or other concerns) you decide not to go with the Beringers, I would recommend the linked system below as a all-in-one 5.1 HT system:

http://www.emptek.com/special_f300t_e10s.php

My understanding is that the main speakers are the same as the RBH Sound TK-5CT reviewed here:
http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/floorstanding/rbh-sound-tk-5ct

As I understand it, EMP, RBH, and Destination Audio are all the same company. RBH is the premium line sold through a dealer network and the top end products are exclusive to them. However, EMP and Destination Audio offer some of the lower level or older RBH designs at a great price as internet direct. To avoid conspicuously undercutting (pissing off) their dealer network, EMP renames the speakers.

At $800 with free shipping this is a good quality 5.1 system. The subwoofer is the weak link, but should hold you fairly well if you are not in a large room.

 

[tom67]

I like the Polk package he picked....I have owned Polks (rt 35 and RT 15) and Frankly think the lower "Monitor" series are the best value at Polk. Those speakers are full size and go low enough to use for stereo only, unlike some smaller speakers mentioned here. I just have a hunch if they were sold in small audio stores, people here would like them better. They were selling them for less than half on New Egg a few weeks back...and everything he picked is voice matched

 

[ohskigod]

I've heard the 2030's, and I must humbly disagree that they are a better sound/dollar benefit over the Monitor line, but Audio is subjective like that. we'll agree to disagree I guess.

 

[lsiberian]

hate to go against the grain. The OP was looking for possible alternatives Polk's Monitor line.

Near field monitors serve a completely different function than a floorstander. Monitors like the behringer on a desktop being used to mix audio while your sitting on a chair in front of them is a win. in a full theater application, even in a apt? I don't know man, I just don't know

I'm not sure I follow your reasoning here you say he shouldn't get a monitor and then recommend a monitor.

The Behringers have worked and will work just fine in a variety of home theater settings. They have exceptional on and off-axis response meaning they also benefit from 1st order reflections which reinforce their response. I fail to see how the Monitor's are a better choice. I've seen hard measurements from multiple sources on the Behringers. I've not seen any on the Polk Monitor line. I'm not saying it's junk, but I know for a fact the Behringers have measured impressive performance. Given the budget and room size I have no doubt they will fill the bill. For the price I'd love someone to show me a better speaker.

Grab a mic and do some measurements on your polks and let's see what they have to offer.

 

[ohskigod]

I'm not sure I follow your reasoning here you say he shouldn't get a monitor and then recommend a monitor.



Grab a mic and do some measurements on your polks and let's see what they have to offer.

Polk's Monitor line is called that because they had an older line called the Monitor line so this is an "homage" i guess. it's the name of the line.....not to be confused with a near field Monitor, which is an ENTIRELY different ballgame. I use near field monitors for which they were intended....near field use.

no need to grab a mic when my ears do most of the work for me. i've heard both and like I said, the Behringer is a pretty sweet little monitor for the price.........I could even see it in a small theater in a bed room or a quickie gaming rig but to say get the when he might get the Polk Monitors in his budget instead? I gotta go with no on that

again, just my humble .02

 

[AJinFLA]

I'm completely new to HT, so please leave me any comments or suggetions on what I picked. The HT would mostly be used for movie watching. I'm currently on a small budget, and it seems what I picked would cost me around $900.

(2) Polk Audio Monitor 70 Black Floorstanding
(2) Polk Audio Monitor 30 Black Two-way bookshelf loudspeaker Pair
Polk Audio PSW Series PSW505 12" Powered Subwoofer
Polk Audio CS10 Center Channel Speaker

Polk Audio speakers are mediocre to poor designs at best. Couldn't find any data on your specific models above, but these from another thread (closed) demonstrate exactly why:

Poor off axis performance (demonstrably audible) and a rising treble (also demonstrably audible). I suppose if you are older, with lots of HF hearing loss, younger but deafened by over exposure to high SPLs, or just plain like sizzling HF coloration (which is why you must take internet subjective tastes with a grain of salt...and realize how irrelevant they can be to what you will hear/like), then something like those may fit your tastes.
It's possible to get good sound (measurable/verifiable via controlled tests) for your budget. The aforementioned Behringers are a nice choice, as are speakers available right here on the forum, which may closer match your original propositions:
Front towers $400 - free shipping!
Measured/reviewed here

Center $200 - free shipping.

Subwoofer $190 - free shipping.

Surrounds $80.

Total within your budget...and you can add a second sub later, or now if you feel like splurging.
Best 'o luck.

cheers,

AJ

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

That's it. I think I'm getting a pair of Infinity Primus P362 for my living room.

 

[ohskigod]

Polk Audio speakers are mediocre to poor designs at best. Couldn't find any data on your specific models above, but these from another thread (closed) demonstrate exactly why:

Poor off axis performance (demonstrably audible) and a rising treble (also demonstrably audible). I suppose if you are older, with lots of HF hearing loss, younger but deafened by over exposure to high SPLs, or just plain like sizzling HF coloration (which is why you must take internet subjective tastes with a grain of salt...and realize how irrelevant they can be to what you will hear/like), then something like those may fit your tastes.
It's possible to get good sound (measurable/verifiable via controlled tests) for your budget. The aforementioned Behringers are a nice choice, as are speakers available right here on the forum, which may closer match your original propositions:
Front towers $400 - free shipping!
Measured/reviewed here

Center $200 - free shipping.

Subwoofer $190 - free shipping.

Surrounds $80.

Total within your budget...and you can add a second sub later, or now if you feel like splurging.
Best 'o luck.

cheers,

AJ

wow, you guys love your charts.

I'm not saying there arent any options besides Polk Monitor line by a long shot, but some of the reccomendations definitly make me arch my eyebrow, call me kooky I guess.

To the OP, when someone tries so hard to convince you a speaker company sucks, be wary of the reason. trust your ears.

to me, the Infinity primus line is "meh" at best. while not bad, to say it is some leaps and bounds better choice is a bit of a stretch, but again this is subjective.

If you want a better bang for buck that transends people's subjective opinions? look at the used market, but there is task (and some trial and error) involved with it.

I will give points to that Dayton sub though, I heard it's a little wonder for the price

 

[ohskigod]

hmmm, apparently my above post is brand bias? that's odd.

 

[jinjuku]

Coming from a guy that has both experience with the M70's and the 2030's and 2031's I would have to say it all depends.

First there are a ton of options in that price range (Polk, Infinity, Berhinger, EMPtek etc).

I have direct comparison of the 2031's vs some TSi100's and for me, the guitarist and recording engineer there was no contest. The 2031's simply dominated in the stereo field and resolution departments. So in that aspect I don't know if I would rely on the M70's top end to be any better than the TSi 100's.

With that being said I believe the 70's will have a more 'tactile' feel do to a lot of driver surface area vs the 2030/2031's. A sub with either setup will take care of the bottom end. But most information is in the mid range. Now I haven't had a chance to compare the 70 to the 2030 or 2031 so I obviously say this with conjecture.

I would really like to know what speaker that graph is a measurement of. It very possibly will hold no water when discussing the 70's in particular. As best we can lets have a fact and evidence based discussion.

FWIW I have 5 setups out there with the M70's and they do fine for the price.

 

[AJinFLA]

wow, you guys love your charts.

Because we comprehend them.

while not bad, to say it is some leaps and bounds better choice is a bit of a stretch, but again this is subjective.

No it isn't. It isn't subjective to comprehend that the on axis frequency response is much more linear, it's objective. It isn't subjective to comprehend that the off axis frequency response is much more linear, it's objective. It isn't subjective to recognize that human can hear and prefer frequency linearity over non-linearity, it's objective.

to me, the Infinity primus line is "meh" at best.

That, is subjective. Due to a lack of objectivity. It should be taken for what it's worth.

If you want a better bang for buck that transends people's subjective opinions? look at the used market, but there is task (and some trial and error) involved with it.

Which is it? It it purely subjective....or is there a way to "transcend people's subjective opinions?"
Would that also include him transcending your purely subjective opinion as well?
How do you know when the trial is over and you're done making errors?

 

[jinjuku]

WMAX has some measurements of the 2030p's (plus a bunch of other speakers)

Check it out at Linaeum

Just click on the 2030p directory. There are only a few plots but the gist of it is that the 2030p measures extremely smoothly.

So when some idiot is spouting off about their $800 Tannoys you can just sit back and laugh with the $150 2030p's that can go toe to toe with them and use that $650 somewhere else.

BTW I believe the 2030p craze was started over at either HTGuide or the Parts Express forums. There are some serious heavy hitters at PE that are thoroughly impressed with the Berhinger monitors.