First Home System - Need Advice

CDogg

CDogg

Junior Audioholic
Hey Guys,

The wife and I will be moving into our first home this coming week, and I need your wit and wisdom as well as some much needed advice. Nothing is etched in stone at this point, so I need to get it right the first time.

This is what I am thinking... Onkyo TX-8050 with a pair of Polk Audio TSi400s. I have read numerous reviews giving the Onkyo high praise. However, I am uncertain if I am making the right choice on speaker selection. I love the idea of having internet radio, so I'm reluctant in buying a CD changer. Any recommendations you can make on this choice as well will be appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your assistance!
 
BMXTRIX

BMXTRIX

Audioholic Warlord
While you are thinking of buying some gear, what is your goal?

It seems like this must be an 'audio only' location based upon the receiver of choice, and the lack of proper video switcher (HDMI) and any of the features associated with that type of receiver makes me wonder what your goal and expectations are.

That said, I think Onkyo makes decent budget entry level gear, but I find their engineering quality to be lacking which leads to product that is far more prone to overheating and failure than some of the more expensive models which don't have as many bells and whistles, but have better overall build quality.

I feel about the same with many Polk products. They are good, but not where I would typically direct my money unless good was my final goal.

The 5.25" drivers are solid enough, but aren't going to be reaching into the low end which means a lot of bass will be missing within any stereo setup.

With no subwoofer out on that stereo receiver and with speakers without the bass extension, the pairing of those two doesn't seem the way to go IMO.

Onkyo:
Onkyo TX-8050 - Network Stereo Receiver | Model Information | Onkyo USA Home Theater Products

Polk:
Polk Audio - TSi Series Loudspeakers

I would probably switch up to an A/V receiver which has surround capabilities, even if you don't use it, because it will at the very least, include a dedicated subwoofer output.

Something like this perhaps, which gives you the subwoofer out, a bit more power, and a higher build quality along with the connectivity for HD audio sources (with video) if you want.

DENON US)

For speakers, the Polks may be alright when paired with a decent subwoofer. Depending on your budget, they may be all that you can get, but I would wait for some specifics on your audio expectations and some input from others on comparible (price) models to consider.
 
zieglj01

zieglj01

Audioholic Spartan
Not easy to make a reccomendation, without knowing your budget.
 
Nomo

Nomo

Audioholic Samurai
Presuming you're just looking for a 2.0/2.1 system the Onkyo is a solid choice.

I'm not sold on the Polks. While I like the the Polk sound, they are generally dissed by many members here. For good reason. Polks do have a very bright, forward sound to them, and are not for every one.

Have you had the chance listen to them?
 
BoredSysAdmin

BoredSysAdmin

Audioholic Slumlord
I have heard many good things about 8050, but I also heard my not so good about QC issues with Onkyo products recently... , but if stereo and internet radio is all you need 8050 fits the bill nicely
you can get it here for a bit cheaper (certified refub) with 1 year warranty:
Onkyo TX-8050 2-Channel Network Stereo Receiver | Accessories4less

My personal belief is that most Polk speakers other that LSi series are not worth their salt so I'd advice you to look else where...

What is your total budget for this? How big is the room, types of music you will play and how loud?

But right of the bat I'd highly recommend these speakers instead of polks:
CMT-340 SE Mini-Tower Loudspeaker
in about same price point
 
Nomo

Nomo

Audioholic Samurai
I would probably switch up to an A/V receiver which has surround capabilities, even if you don't use it, because it will at the very least, include a dedicated subwoofer output.
That receiver does have a sub out.
 
CDogg

CDogg

Junior Audioholic
I haven't settled on a dollar amount, which is probably a mistake on my part. I would like to keep this around $1000 if possible.

BMXTRIX... After posting I was wondering if I should consider a A/V receiver. This would allow more fexibility as far as configuring the room. I guess I am back to square one.

We are moving into a 1300 SqFt mid-entry home with living room on upper level, and a family/rec room downstairs. Room dimensions for the living room are 11' wide x 14' long. There is carpet on the floor, which may or not be a good thing. We would prefer wood floors but that will come later.We are planning on using the living room for the audio only. We are putting the TV downstairs in the family/rec room, and I was thinking on doing a home theatre system. Plans are for the near future for this project. Given the size of the room, I was thinking under 100 WPC would be sufficient.

I don't know what else you need from me at this point. I really appreciate your help, and I hope to come to a conclusion soon in order to get this ordered in the next day or two.
 
CDogg

CDogg

Junior Audioholic
Some specs for your consideration.

Home - 1314 SqFt mid-entry, living room dimension is 11' wide x 14' long
Music Preference - Smooth Jazz, Blues, and R&R
Budget - Around $1000ish
 
J

Josuah

Senior Audioholic
However, I am uncertain if I am making the right choice on speaker selection. I love the idea of having internet radio, so I'm reluctant in buying a CD changer. Any recommendations you can make on this choice as well will be appreciated.
The only one who can answer the question about the speakers is yourself, primarily. You need to go listen to a bunch of speakers, but within and outside your budget, to understand what is out there and what you can be satisfied with. If there are particular things you like or dislike about a specific speaker, this forum might be able to suggest speakers that address those items.

If you like Internet radio, you can look for a receiver with Pandora or Spotify built in. Or grab an external media box like a Boxee or Roku or Apple TV (iTunes radio).
 
CDogg

CDogg

Junior Audioholic
When it comes to auditioning speakers, the selection is very limited. The only store that sells audio equipment is Best Buy, so you should know the limitations. Polk Audio and Klipsch are the only two top brands they carry. Between the two, the Polk Audios were far better than the Klipsch and cheaper. Forty years ago we had a great audio store, High Fidelity Center, and they carried Bang & Olufson, Nakamichi, Onkyo, and Yamaha just to name a few. The times are different these days but much harder when it comes to audio.
 
zieglj01

zieglj01

Audioholic Spartan
When it comes to auditioning speakers, the selection is very limited. The only store that sells audio equipment is Best Buy, so you should know the limitations. Polk Audio and Klipsch are the only two top brands they carry.
Are you willing to buy speakers on line - most offer 30 day return policies.

EMP
http://www.emptek.com/e55ti.php

Energy
http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/features/542561319/energy-rc50?s_c=site_search

Infinity
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_108P362BG/Infinity-Primus-P362.html

HTD
Do not let the name fool you - these are nice.
http://www.htd.com/Products/level-three-speakers/Level-THREE-Tower-Speakers

Boston
http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/features/542219710/boston-acoustics-a-250?s_c=site_search
 
Last edited:
sholling

sholling

Audioholic Ninja
I agree with those suggesting buying an AVR instead and for that I'd probably go with a Denon AVR-1712 (brand new only) for about $400. and second BSA's suggestion of Ascend CMT-340SE bookshelves. I've owned the Ascends and they are quite good. That's your $1k including shipping. Next I'd start saving for a good subwoofer.

The other speaker option is a pair is a pair of Infinity P362 towers and a matching PC350 center for about $550 shipped. If you like them I'd jump on the set of three while they still have some on clearance. They're cheap because they're last year's model. I like the Ascends a little bit more but the Infinities will play deeper and are a heck of a deal at that price. You'll eventually want a subwoofer for either.
 
CDogg

CDogg

Junior Audioholic
I would like to thank everyone for their assistance and advice. The order has been placed for the following.

Onkyo TX-509 A/V Receiver
2 - Infinity Primus P362 Speakers
1 - Infinity Primus PC350 Center Channel Speaker

Everything came in under $700, not too shabby for a newbie. I have enough money left over for some furniture to store this equipment in. System will arrive on 3/13 tow days before the move. Talk about cutting it close. Once we get moved in and settled and after a couple weeks of listening, I will post again to let you know my thoughts.
 
B

bikdav

Senior Audioholic
Good Point

I have heard many good things about 8050, but I also heard my not so good about QC issues with Onkyo products recently... , but if stereo and internet radio is all you need 8050 fits the bill nicely
you can get it here for a bit cheaper (certified refub) with 1 year warranty:
Onkyo TX-8050 2-Channel Network Stereo Receiver | Accessories4less



Onkyo has had an unstable track record for their surround sound units, but evidently not the two channel units. That 8050 looks like a great unit particularly for those who "stream" audio from other sources.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
zieglj01

zieglj01

Audioholic Spartan
I would like to thank everyone for their assistance and advice. The order has been placed for the following.

Onkyo TX-509 A/V Receiver
2 - Infinity Primus P362 Speakers
1 - Infinity Primus PC350 Center Channel Speaker
That was fast - enjoy!
 
CDogg

CDogg

Junior Audioholic
Everything arrived this evening. We move Thursday morning, and if all goes well the equipment will be set up this weekend.
 

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