Best setup??? 2 speaker sections x 2 channels???

[Yossarian14]

So I got an apartment and I need some general advice and insurance that I'm using my equipment to its full potential.

- The receiver is a Harmon Kardon (HK3470) which I think puts out a 100-120 watts per channel? Now I've been arguing with my father. Its a two channel amp but has inputs for two sections (four total).

- 2 Polk Audio Tsi 300 floorstanding speakers

- 2 Polk Audio R20 bookshelf speakers

- Kenwood KS-201 sub (not powered)

Right now I have one section going to the floorstanding. The other is going through the sub then through to the bookshelfs. The sub provides a little low-end, the bookshelfs give off some white noise when turned up....other than that everything sounds fine but idk if they could sound better. Suggestions?

 

[Yossarian14]

Some more info. I understand I'm probably overwhelming the amp. I get more base just feeding the floorstanding speakers compared to just feeding the sub and bookshelfs. I've played everything I can think through the setup and right now it seems to lack the clarity a.k.a crisp cymbals, etc. Voice sounds great through the Tsi's and mids great through the R20's.

 

[fredk]

I understand I'm probably overwhelming the amp.

How big is your room and how far away is the listening position?

 

[Yossarian14]

My bedroom which I was planning on putting the receiver and bookshelfs in is about 15x11. Then main room is 9x12 with the kitchen open which is prob 15x5 connecting to my room. Ya its a small space.

 

[rnatalli]

What's the budget for the speakers and sub?

 

[Yossarian14]

I've already bought the speakers and the sub, I'm just wondering if I'f im missing out on a better way to wire them up or if there is any information I should know. Distortion means there is not enough wattage..correct?

 

[lsiberian]

I've already bought the speakers and the sub, I'm just wondering if I'f im missing out on a better way to wire them up or if there is any information I should know. Distortion means there is not enough wattage..correct?

You need an external amp for the sub. Don't you dare run it of the receiver. Your receiver is only 8 ohm stable which means you are overdriving it with a low load.

The best amp for a passive sub is a Behringer EP2500. They are around 250.

Your sub is unworthy of that amp. It's from a HTIB according to my research. Just pick up a Dayton Audio sub from this site. I use one and it works decently enough for music.