HT revamp

[Scipio85]

I have been reading the site and forums for about 6 months now. I have been slowly upgrading my old home theater system. I had a Yamaha 5.1 all in box set up with little 80w square box speakers.

I updated my receiver with a Sherwood Newcastle R-774BK. I wanted a receiver that had HDMI repeater where my other one only had switch.

I have upgraded my center channel to Cerwin Vega CMX-25C. Which I love. Getting great sound. I have two tower speakers on order CMX-212.


At the moment I have 3 questions.

1. The power handling of the CMX-212s is 300 where the Newcastle receiver is only 700w 100 per channel. Will I need to be looking at getting an amp for my system in the future?

2. With the huge frequency response of the CMX-212 what should I set my crossover frequencies to? 80Hz, 60Hz or should the receivers automatic speaker set up account for all of that?

3. I have a 7.1 receiver and use it 5.1. Should I take those old front speakers and use those and my rear speakers and change it to a 7.1 set up.

Thanks in advance.
I would have posted pictures and links but since this is my first post the forum will not let me.

 

[Impelled]

1) If it isnt loud enough.

2) Experiment and see what works best with your kit

3) There is hardly any 7.1 material, 5.1 is processed to give the extra 2 channels.
Using different speakers in surround can make sound movement disjointed and unrealistic.
Then again, the old speakers may match quite well.
Try it and see what you prefer.

 

[GranteedEV]

1. The power handling of the CMX-212s is 300 where the Newcastle receiver is only 700w 100 per channel. Will I need to be looking at getting an amp for my system in the future?

Most likely not.

You'd be better off getting different speakers.

2. With the huge frequency response of the CMX-212 what should I set my crossover frequencies to? 80Hz, 60Hz or should the receivers automatic speaker set up account for all of that?

It's tough to say. The room throws a wrench in a speaker's frequency response. Your room might cause a big dip in response around 100hz that might mean a 100hz crossover would work better than any other option.

For starters try running the speakers as "Large + subs" to get the most source of bass in the room. Turn the volume up and lsiten for strain. If you hear strain try changing it to "Small" + 60hz and just play around. Without a mic to measure stuff you really are shooting in the dark though.

3. I have a 7.1 receiver and use it 5.1. Should I take those old front speakers and use those and my rear speakers and change it to a 7.1 set up.

Probably not worth it as it will just strain the Sherwood's amps.

 

[zieglj01]

3. I have a 7.1 receiver and use it 5.1. Should I take those old front speakers and use those and my rear speakers and change it to a 7.1 set up.

The Sherwood is good - however not a monster, use the power for 5.1

 

[Scipio85]

Recap.

Don't worry about the rear speakers. 5.1 you will not miss any sounds and will just take power away from the sherwood's amp.

The crossover, just play with it till I get something to my liking.

And as far as another amp, most likely will not need one. Will have to see when the speakers come in.

 

[Scipio85]

You'd be better off getting different speakers.

Different towers? Or upgrade the surround speakers?