Assembling Music and Movie System

[allanite]

I listen to music (various, from pop to rock) 80% and watch movies (mostly action movies) 20%. Enjoy listening to good, clear vocal and good, clear instrumentals. High end equipment will not be my choice due to my budget and listening capability.

Currently Two setup:
1. Music - NAD Viso Two and a pair of Sony APM-66ES
2. Movies - Denon AVR-1801, front PSB Image 5T, center PSM Image C, Surround Polk Audio RT12, subwoofer Polk Audio PSW 100

I enjoy my music system.

For movies the PSB speakers, center include are not clear and detail but has some punch. Reviews I read seems to state that the PSB speakers are clear and detail, is it due to my Denon receiver?

I am planning to re-organize to hopefully have one system to serve my music and movie needs.

Where do I begin?
What to keep?

Did I provide enough information for your suggestions?

 

[herbu]

Did I provide enough information for your suggestions?

Nope.
1. What is your budget?
2. What do you mean about your "listening capability"?
3. No, your complaint with the middle channel is NOT due to your AVR, (unless it's broken).
4. Most of us have one system for music & movies. It is quite doable.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

One thing you should not keep is your Polk Sub. It's awful. Get in-home-trial from of ID brands like: SVS, HSU, Rythmic, Reaction Audio or Outlaw Audio

 

[agarwalro]

+1 on subwoofer upgrade desperately needed.

What kind of room do you have and how do you have the (movie) speakers set up? What settings do you use on the Denon? IMO, HT receivers have come a long way and a receiver would be next upgrade after the sub.

 

[Swerd]

I agree with others that you can easily get a setup that can do both 2-channel music and surround sound movies.

If your Denon AVR-1801 is working properly, I highly doubt its why you don't like the sound of your surround system. More likely, its the speakers. There is an easy way to find out:

1. Attach your two Sony speakers to the Denon instead of the PSB Image 5Ts, and listen to music. Turn off the subwoofer and all surround sound effects. Listen with standard 2-channel playback.
   
   
2. Attach the two PSB speakers to your NAD receiver and listen.

Once you do that, it should be clear whether the PSB speakers or your Denon AVR is the source of the sound you don't like.

 

[allanite]

I am in Vancouver, BC, Canada
Budget (US$):
- Receiver $700
- Main Speakers $1000
- Subwoofer $500
Not all at once but in stages and willing to adjust upwards a bit to complement other equipment.

My listening capabilities
My hearing is not very sharp in the sense that I cannot hear the differences that some reps in the shops told me. I do appreciate speakers that are clear and detail.

Will checkout ID brand woofers, being in Canada I am not sure if I have to pay the shipping charges for the home trial.

Room is 17.5ft x 7.5ft with 7.5ft ceiling and laminate flooring

My receiver is set to small for front, center and surround speakers
Subwoofer is set to LFE only

Last night I hooked up the PSB 5ts to the Denon and did not sound any different. Still like the all round sound of the Sony APM.

The reason I have separate system is that the movie setup has unwanted sound (unnecessary bass) from the subwoofer when listening to music. Crossover at the PSW 100 subwoofer is set at 60hz.

 

[zieglj01]

I would fire that Polk sub now, and go without till you find a new one.
It is more of a mushy-boom box.

Look at SonicBoom Audio from Canada for a new sub.
http://www.sonicboomaudio.com/box-subwoofers-c-1/nsd-series-c-1_9/?zenid=7m85ac4r5rkm7imhq6cimuu863

The PSB speakers are more on the neutral side

What is it that stands out for you with the Sony square speakers?
http://www.thevintageknob.org/sony-APM-66ES.html

 

[allanite]

I like the clear vocals as well as instruments coming clearly from it.
Nice bass too.
Do not need a subwoofer when listening to stereo music but not enough when using for movies.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

you'll be surprised how vocal become clearer once speakers properly crossed over with decent sub
No real reason to listed to music in pure direct

 

[allanite]

As suggested here, I will fire my PSW100.

Base on Internet reading from reviews, I have narrow down to 2 choices:
1. VTF-2 MK4 Subwoofer
2. SVS SB-2000 500 Watt DSP Controlled 12" Compact Sealed Subwoofer

Added a 3rd choice after reading that the Direct Servo of LV12R will benefit my music bias system.

What is the advantage of HSU's Q control and seal mode option?
Which will be more future proof in terms of future upgrades to my system?
If I use another room of same dimensions but with open back wall to dinning area, will the choice be still good?