Denon AVR 1613 good for my system?

[StangMan04]

This is the plan so far.


Fronts - Polk Monitor 70s (purchased)
Center - Polk CS2 (purchased)
Rears - Polk Monitor 50s (thinking of buying)
Sub - Polk PSW10 (thinking of buying), any recommendations (Below $300, cheaper the better)


I know this people on here don't recommend Polk speakers, but I don't want to spend a lot of money on my setup. Do I even need a sub, if I am only watching movies/tv and no music?

 

[j_garcia]

How big is your room? Even without knowing that, it should be enough power for a typical size living room. If you have a huge room, it might not be quite enough.

The Pioneer speakers mentioned quite frequently on here lately are in the same price range as the Polks.

Absolutely skip that sub. For movies, you do want a sub, but you don't absolutely have to have one. You can try out your system without one first and add one later.

Here's an inexpensive one that should do fine, and it is on sale now: http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=300-629

 

[StangMan04]

How big is your room? Even without knowing that, it should be enough power for a typical size living room. If you have a huge room, it might not be quite enough.

The Pioneer speakers mentioned quite frequently on here lately are in the same price range as the Polks.

Absolutely skip that sub. For movies, you do want a sub, but you don't absolutely have to have one. You can try out your system without one first and add one later.

Here's an inexpensive one that should do fine, and it is on sale now: Dayton Audio SUB-1200 12" 120 Watt Powered Subwoofer 300-629

My living room is rather small (single family home). Around 23x11.

I mainly watch movies, sports and play some Call of Duty.

 

[j_garcia]

That receiver should be fine then. The Monitor 70s show a -3dB point of 40Hz, which is OK, but if you want more bass, I'd add a sub. Like I said though, you can start out without one and see how you like it.

 

[StangMan04]

That receiver should be fine then. The Monitor 70s show a -3dB point of 40Hz, which is OK, but if you want more bass, I'd add a sub. Like I said though, you can start out without one and see how you like it.

That might be the way to go for me. I checked out the sub you linked, that thing is huge. Would I need that large of a sub for my sized room? (If I decided to get one)

 

[markw]

I concur

Those Pioneer speakers would be better, at least in the fourm's opinion. Apair of these towers, a this matching center and a pair of these surrounds would do you quite well.

You do need a sub, just not that one. A BIC F12 is a great starter sub and can be had for around $200 or so

this would be a very good starter system but, since you've already purchased, I guess it's a moot point. The time to ask questions here is before the purchase.

 

[zieglj01]

I am not a real Polk fan - however, I would not mate that
wimpy Polk sub, with them speakers. Regardless of price,
or sales, I do base my preference on sound quality > and
not the so-called best deal. Have fun and good luck.

 

[agarwalro]

Fronts - Polk Monitor 70s (purchased)
Center - Polk CS2 (purchased)
Rears - Polk Monitor 50s (thinking of buying)
Sub - Polk PSW10 (thinking of buying), any recommendations (Below $300, cheaper the better)

This might seem counterintuitive, but, believe me, a great sub by itself will do more for your movie and game experience when compared to a crappy sub with Rears. On the price front, even a well designed and implemented $300 sub, like the Hsu Research STF-1, cannot defy physics and will be inadequate for the room. Physics/acoustics dictate that, at minimum, a subwoofer needs to have a robust driver, powerful amp and relatively large heavy cabinet. A $300 sub will cut corners on all fronts. The Polk PSW10 is not worth it unless you get heavily discounted (I'm talking 75% off MSRP).

I would say that you should forgo the Rears for now and up the subwoofer budget to $500-600. If this is outside your current reach, wait and save.

Here are a few to start you off in the right direction, Hsu Research VTF-2, SVS PB-1000, Rythmik Audio FV12, Epic Legend.

 

[StangMan04]

I am not a real Polk fan - however, I would not mate that
wimpy Polk sub, with them speakers. Regardless of price,
or sales, I do base my preference on sound quality > and
not the so-called best deal. Have fun and good luck.

Yeah, I don't plan to get that sub now if I plan to buy a sub. Hopefully my system sounds decent for my liking. I am sure I will enjoy it over my tv's speaker.

 

[StangMan04]

This might seem counterintuitive, but, believe me, a great sub by itself will do more for your movie and game experience when compared to a crappy sub with Rears. On the price front, even a well designed and implemented $300 sub, like the Hsu Research STF-1, cannot defy physics and will be inadequate for the room. Physics/acoustics dictate that, at minimum, a subwoofer needs to have a robust driver, powerful amp and relatively large heavy cabinet. A $300 sub will cut corners on all fronts. The Polk PSW10 is not worth it unless you get heavily discounted (I'm talking 75% off MSRP).

I would say that you should forgo the Rears for now and up the subwoofer budget to $500-600. If this is outside your current reach, wait and save.

Here are a few to start you off in the right direction, Hsu Research VTF-2, SVS PB-1000, Rythmik Audio FV12.

Okay, I am been waiting for the rears and haven't pulled the trigger yet. For my room's size, I am thinking rears are overkill for it (and would save me from cutting holes for wall plates and running wire through the attic). With that said, I may hold off and save up to buy a better sub. I don't know if I will want to buy one over $300 though still. I guess buying items on sale makes me feel better than buying one expensive piece.

 

[j_garcia]

I've ran my system as a 3.1 setup for a few months and it sounded fine. There's no reason you can't run it that way. Your room is decent sized actually (I'd call it medium), but you probably still don't need an excessive sub for it. Just to round out the bottom end, an entry level sub like the Sub1200 I listed for $119 should add enough oomph for movies and TV. If you get more serious, then something starting in the $500 range would be more appropriate. The Polk in question has so little power that it really is only good for fairly small rooms. I've owned it, so I know first hand.

 

[StangMan04]

I've ran my system as a 3.1 setup for a few months and it sounded fine. There's no reason you can't run it that way. Your room is decent sized actually (I'd call it medium), but you probably still don't need an excessive sub for it. Just to round out the bottom end, an entry level sub like the Sub1200 I listed for $119 should add enough oomph for movies and TV. If you get more serious, then something starting in the $500 range would be more appropriate. The Polk in question has so little power that it really is only good for fairly small rooms. I've owned it, so I know first hand.

Yeah seeing the Polk listed for $80, made me believe it wasn't a good decision. I do want to stick with a lower sub like you listed. With that, I could still get my Monitor 50s for rears. I don't expect the best system out there, just want something decent. Am I right in going that direction? Reason I keep going back to the rears, is they are on sale for $150 for both, unless there is something better out there to let me wait to do the rears. I read rears aren't that important.

 

[j_garcia]

The AH crowd usually tries to recommend stuff that you won't have to upgrade sooner rather than later, but I think all of us understand working with a budget very well too. Sometimes you have to spend a bit more up front to get gear that will serve you longer, which can save you money in the long run. For a budget system, I think it will do fine. It isn't like you can't upgrade if you find it isn't enough

 

[StangMan04]

The AH crowd usually tries to recommend stuff that you won't have to upgrade sooner rather than later, but I think all of us understand working with a budget very well too. Sometimes you have to spend a bit more up front to get gear that will serve you longer, which can save you money in the long run. For a budget system, I think it will do fine. It isn't like you can't upgrade if you find it isn't enough

Yeah I definitely understand where people are coming from in their suggestions. I just would hate to spend so much on a home theater system all at once. I guess I am just trying to get it up ASAP and that isn't the most cost effective way in going about it. Being a single home-owner, I have to watch how much I spend and be ware of unexpected bills. I really appreciate everyone's suggestions. I just need to decide whether or not to get rears now or wait and listen to my system first. I still need a receiver lol, I hope to snag the Denon 1613 from Best Buy's BF ad.

 

[hjustin]

I'm a relative noob when it comes to all this stuff but I thought I would throw my opinion into the ring for your consideration. Take it or leave it.

I've consistently had a 3.0 system for years, with front left, right, and a center channel. Certainly this is an improvement over the speakers in any television. Depending on where my wife and I have lived, we have added left and right surrounds. A nice addition to be sure, but we could do without in a pinch.

After I joined this forum a few weeks ago in search of ideas to improve the quality of my living room theater sound, I picked up an older but reasonable Paradigm sub locally on Craigslist for $50. This sub is pretty mediocre but it is the single most impactful addition I have made to my home theater in ten years. It has increased our enjoyment of movie and television considerably. Now I cannot wait to upgrade to the next tier in quality. I hope you will consider that as your build your system--adding a sub to your system is a big deal and if waiting on surround speakers will help you get there faster, then so be it.

A couple of points...

1. You have chosen the right place to ask for help. The people here possess a wealth of knowledge and are friendly and good-natured to boot.

2. Take your time putting together your system. No harm in spreading out the cost and getting quality affordable gear. The good news is that this stuff lasts a long time.

3. Look at Craigslist in your local area for stellar deals. If you see something that look promising, ask about it here and people can give you idea whether or not it is something worth pursuing.

4. You will be very happy with the Denon 1613. I have owned a Denon AVR-591 and now own a Denon AVR-1712, slighly older siblings to the 1613. I have been very pleased with their features, performance, and value. I think you will too.

Good luck! Have fun!

 

[StangMan04]

I'm a relative noob when it comes to all this stuff but I thought I would throw my opinion into the ring for your consideration. Take it or leave it.

I've consistently had a 3.0 system for years, with front left, right, and a center channel. Certainly this is an improvement over the speakers in any television. Depending on where my wife and I have lived, we have added left and right surrounds. A nice addition to be sure, but we could do without in a pinch.

After I joined this forum a few weeks ago in search of ideas to improve the quality of my living room theater sound, I picked up an older but reasonable Paradigm sub locally on Craigslist for $50. This sub is pretty mediocre but it is the single most impactful addition I have made to my home theater in ten years. It has increased our enjoyment of movie and television considerably. Now I cannot wait to upgrade to the next tier in quality. I hope you will consider that as your build your system--adding a sub to your system is a big deal and if waiting on surround speakers will help you get there faster, then so be it.

A couple of points...

1. You have chosen the right place to ask for help. The people here possess a wealth of knowledge and are friendly and good-natured to boot.

2. Take your time putting together your system. No harm in spreading out the cost and getting quality affordable gear. The good news is that this stuff lasts a long time.

3. Look at Craigslist in your local area for stellar deals. If you see something that look promising, ask about it here and people can give you idea whether or not it is something worth pursuing.

4. You will be very happy with the Denon 1613. I have owned a Denon AVR-591 and now own a Denon AVR-1712, slighly older siblings to the 1613. I have been very pleased with their features, performance, and value. I think you will too.

Good luck! Have fun!

Thanks for your input. I just noticed the Dayton SUB-1200 that j_garcia listed dropped from $119 to $97.80. I went ahead and pulled the trigger on it.

 

[hjustin]

Thanks for your input. I just noticed the Dayton SUB-1200 that j_garcia listed dropped from $119 to $97.80. I went ahead and pulled the trigger on it.

Awesome! The Denon 1613 has Audyssey MultEQ so you should be able to tune everything up nicely.

 

[StangMan04]

Awesome! The Denon 1613 has Audyssey MultEQ so you should be able to tune everything up nicely.

Can't wait. Now to fight the crowds at Best Buy to hopefully get one Friday.