HTIB or separate?

[guynexdoor]

Could I just build a 5.1 to start with? So I would buy 2 pairs of the R150...

What do you think?

 

[guynexdoor]

My room is: http://www.811walton.com/pdf/a-20.pdf

That's the actual floor plan. My TV is on the LEFT wall if you were walking in from the hallway. My couch is opposite that, so essentially I"m only using one half of the LR.

I think I'm gonna go order the R150s now.

 

[Adam]

Could I just build a 5.1 to start with? So I would buy 2 pairs of the R150...

What do you think?

Ahhh, good point. I wasn't doing the math. You could get five of them (they are sold individually, I think) and use one for the center channel. Really not a bad idea, IMO.

 

[jostenmeat]

dear guynexdoor,

will you do me a couple of favors please?

-just edit your "reply" and add whatever other comment or question. (The multiple machine gun posts make it a bit unsmooth to read this thread, well for me personally at least). Or at least address the question to someone by starting with their name (like I did above, and will below).
-If multiple posts are needed, try the "quote" function so its very, very quick and easy to understand who is being addressed.

Anyways, if you indeed are going to build quality over time, I have to agree with mazersteven about kicking the sub. MANY quality towers have better bass on their own than an htib type sub. Though, even with this renewed approach you take, that may or may not happen, at this still modest budget.

Adam,

at online Fry's those speakers only sold as pairs it seems. Hence the 6.1 rec. Just keep the extra speaker if its unusable, I guess. In case a tweeter blows? :
See, the matching center is like $200 (as well as the better csi3),which costs more than the 6 others combined.

As with you, Polks are also definitely not my preference. Just impossible to beat this price for someone really on the cheap.

The R50 towers, also at Fry's (and only in Cherry) go for $70 each. They msrp at $320 each, how's that for a discount?

 

[guynexdoor]

dear guynexdoor,



Anyways, if you indeed are going to build quality over time, I have to agree with mazersteven about kicking the sub. MANY quality towers have better bass on their own than an htib type sub. Though, even with this renewed approach you take, that may or may not happen, at this still modest budget.

So you're saying I should start out with 2 speakers right? And when you say "kick" the sub...you're saying, forget about the sub for now. SInce you're not a polk fan, what speaker type/brand/model do you recommend? Also, how come you don't like Polk. For me, I'm a beginner, so I guess I can live with Polk, and from what I've read, Polk seems to be reliable, and it gets good reviews.

Is it possible to get "surround" sound with only 2 speakers? You know, is there like a virtual surround sound option on the receiver?

I was thinking of getting 4 R150s...and then adding a center, and sub later on...

How about that? How much money is a "good" sub anyway?

 

[Adam]

Also, how come you don't like Polk. For me, I'm a beginner, so I guess I can live with Polk, and from what I've read, Polk seems to be reliable, and it gets good reviews.

Is it possible to get "surround" sound with only 2 speakers? You know, is there like a virtual surround sound option on the receiver?

I was thinking of getting 4 R150s...and then adding a center, and sub later on...

How about that? How much money is a "good" sub anyway?

Liking or not liking Polk doesn't necessarily have anything to do with being a beginner or a veteran at this. Although the more speakers you listen to, the more you'll know about the differences between them, it's mostly personal preference. That's why it's so important to listen to speakers yourself to decide if you like them or not. What one person here likes, another may hate. Odds are, there are many brands that you'll enjoy, so it's not something to worry about. I seconded the recommendation to try the Polks because they are very inexpensive at $50 a pair, many people like Polks, and you can probably return them if you don't like them.

I don't think that there is anything wrong with using one of the R150s as a center, so getting three pairs is not a bad choice. The Onkyo can almost certainly be set up to do 6.1, so you could use the sixth speaker for a rear surround speaker. I don't know if the Onkyo can do simulated surround or not using two speakers, but you can find the owner's manual online (I believe from the Onkyo website) and check it out. I think that it would be $50 well spent to get that third pair, though.

The cost of a "good" sub will range dramatically depending on your perception of "good." If you're just getting started and just want to add some bass, then you can get any number of inexpensive subs that will add to the overall listening experience and make you happy. One of my friends got a relatively inexpensive Polk sub (probably $100-$150) a few years ago and is quite happy with it, and I think that it sounds good in his setup. I just spent $1400 on one (which arrives on Monday...oh, baby), while others here spend more than that. With the size of your room and your budget, I'd suggest considering the $200 x-sub (as recommended earlier) or finding something on sale that you can return if you don't like it (like a Polk). If you have more money, I'd look into SVS or Hsu because of the overwhelming number of positive reviews that I've seen for them.

 

[guynexdoor]

The cost of a "good" sub will range dramatically depending on your perception of "good." If you're just getting started and just want to add some bass, then you can get any number of inexpensive subs that will add to the overall listening experience and make you happy. One of my friends got a relatively inexpensive Polk sub (probably $100-$150) a few years ago and is quite happy with it, and I think that it sounds good in his setup. I just spent $1400 on one (which arrives on Monday...oh, baby), while others here spend more than that. With the size of your room and your budget, I'd suggest considering the $200 x-sub (as recommended earlier) or finding something on sale that you can return if you don't like it (like a Polk). If you have more money, I'd look into SVS or Hsu because of the overwhelming number of positive reviews that I've seen for them.

I actually began looking up SVS and HSU...I also ran into APerion, which some poeple in this forum have given good reviews for. I like SVS though. I think I'm going to get SVS, and spend the extra money. The more I read around here, and the more I get your responses, I'm beginning to see how speakers are more like "investments" It's like getting a good monitor, since I can always use the monitor when I upgrade my CPU, and stuff right?

 

[Adam]

I actually began looking up SVS and HSU...I also ran into APerion, which some poeple in this forum have given good reviews for. I like SVS though. I think I'm going to get SVS, and spend the extra money. The more I read around here, and the more I get your responses, I'm beginning to see how speakers are more like "investments" It's like getting a good monitor, since I can always use the monitor when I upgrade my CPU, and stuff right?

I totally agree. The sub that I'm getting on Monday is an SVS. I'll be posting my thoughts on it around here. I have also recommended Aperion for their speakers, although I don't know much about their subs. One of the great things about Aperion is that they have a 30-day no-risk trial in which they'll even pay shipping both ways if you decide to return something.

Regarding your monitor comment, I remember when I bought a Dell back in 1999 and got the top-of-the-line 19" CRT monitor. I figured (like you), I can always use that monitor for my next computer because monitor technology doesn't change much. Heh, heh. LCDs came out pretty soon after that...

 

[cfrizz]

Hi Guy.

I am one person on this board that loves Polk speakers! My mains are 17 yrs old and still sound terrific!

They are well made speakers that look & sound great & last for years. Polk also has outstandoing customer service. Check out the Polk Forum for more info from helpful people about Polk speakers. www.polkaudio.com/forums/

You have the right idea with this hobby being an investment. One more tip about a receiver. Make sure you spend enough that you get all the bells & whistles that you want or think you might want, but most importantly, make sure it has preamp outputs, which will come in handy to do further upgrading if you reach that point.

 

[jostenmeat]

I'm beginning to see how speakers are more like "investments" It's like getting a good monitor, since I can always use the monitor when I upgrade my CPU, and stuff right?

That's right, speakers "outdate" much more slowly than all of the accompanying electronics it seems. Once again I agree with Adam, the speakers are the most personal part of the purchasing decisions. That's why you will find people urging you to listen to them for yourself.

Anyways, there must be a reason Polk is a widely known brand with many loyalists.

Oh ya, the 505 does not have pre-outs I believe (which you might want in the case of adding an outboard, dedicated amplifier). I don't think it can extract audio via hdmi either(?). Can't have everything at $250.

Many audiophiles will tell you that most center channels are design compromises. Smaller drivers with MTM arrays compromising off-axis dispersion and/or response. These same 'freaks' will say that top mounted tweeter is the only way to go. If only watching front and center I wouldn't worry too much about it. After all, most speaker lines give you very little choice in centers anyways. However, these R150's have bottom tweeters which I find to be most peculiar. Anyone have a guess as to why?

 

[guynexdoor]

Hi Guy.



You have the right idea with this hobby being an investment. One more tip about a receiver. Make sure you spend enough that you get all the bells & whistles that you want or think you might want, but most importantly, make sure it has preamp outputs, which will come in handy to do further upgrading if you reach that point.

What are pre amp outs, and what is their purpose. Also, what are tweeters?
SOmeone said that I don't really NEED a center speaker?

 

[Davemcc]

What are pre amp outs, and what is their purpose. Also, what are tweeters?

Preamp outputs allow you to hook up to a separate amplifier and still use the receiver as a processor.

SOmeone said that I don't really NEED a center speaker?

What? Are they nuts? Are you building a home theater or a phantom home theater? An actual center channel will play actual recorded center channel information. A phantom center will simulate that, but can't beat an actual center channel.

 

[cfrizz]

Preamp outputs are for separate more powerful external amplification. I have a Sunfire 5 channel (5 speakers) 405wpc amplifier hooked to mine to power all of my speakers. I just use my Denon receiver as a processor. (it does everything else.)

Receivers are fine machines, but they are a compromise over separates. Most of the compromise comes in the power they can actually put out. My receiver says it puts out 110wpc for all speakers. In truth that 110 watts is divided 5 ways. So NONE of my speakers is getting anywhere close to 110 watts. Hence the move to separate amplification. I know my speakers are now running to thier full potential & won't run out of steam during intense scenes or loud passages of music. (Think 1812 Overture cannons!)

Your speakers are comprised of 2-3 parts. The tweeter (usually just 1) plays all of the high notes. Drivers can have 1 or more. These play the midrange/bass notes. But they have limits on how low they can go which is why most people have separate subwoofers. Some speakers have thier own subwoofers as well. But companies can/do have variations on this stuff.

Most movies are played through your center speaker, the other speakers are used to augment the center channel & help with the surround duties. The sub handles all of the really low stuff like explosions which the drivers in you speakers can't really handle & tax your receiver. So it is crucial I think to have one.

What are pre amp outs, and what is their purpose. Also, what are tweeters?
SOmeone said that I don't really NEED a center speaker?

 

[abefroeman]

Receivers are fine machines, but they are a compromise over separates.

If speakers are like 'monitors', and receiver is like the computer, then separates are are like a modded computer with an overclocked and airconditioned processor and an external hard drive. They are not what a newcomer is looking for. If you are looking to spend $700 you should go one of 2 routes.

1. Buy it all right now: 5 speakers, a receiver and sub, spend $700 or less and then walk away from these websites, go back to your life and be happy with what you bought; or

2. Buy just 2 good speakers and an old stereo receiver that you can sell when you want to get more speakers. (this is what I did) If you go this route you are hooked on this stuff and will be forever plagued with upgradeitis. Then you can get the rest of the speakers, get some separates and a massive sub. Then do it all over again at twice the price.

 

[guynexdoor]

If speakers are like 'monitors', and receiver is like the computer, then separates are are like a modded computer with an overclocked and airconditioned processor and an external hard drive. They are not what a newcomer is looking for. If you are looking to spend $700 you should go one of 2 routes.

1. Buy it all right now: 5 speakers, a receiver and sub, spend $700 or less and then walk away from these websites, go back to your life and be happy with what you bought; or

Thanks. That's a very good point. Well, I ordered 6 speakers, polk 150s from Frys.com today.That means I'll have 2 front LR, 2 back LR, and one center speaker. Are center speakers special, or can I just use one of the satellites?

Now, I'm just thinking of getting the Onkyo 505, vs. the 605. One is $100 more expensive, but I don't know why I would pay an extra $100.

The next major part are the wires...I've read in this forum, and I got the sense that I don't have to get Monster type wires...

I would consider myself an enthusiast when it comes to this, but I'm somewhere in between someone who'll get the 5 speakers, and walk away, but also someone who might upgrade as well in the future.

 

[Adam]

Well, I ordered 6 speakers, polk 150s from Frys.com today.That means I'll have 2 front LR, 2 back LR, and one center speaker. Are center speakers special, or can I just use one of the satellites?

Congratulations! And, yes, you can certainly use one of the satellites for your center channel. As I understand an ideal set-up, the front speakers and center channel would be the same. Remember, you can use your remaining speaker as a rear speaker in a 6.1 setup if you want.

Now, I'm just thinking of getting the Onkyo 505, vs. the 605. One is $100 more expensive, but I don't know why I would pay an extra $100.

Can be a tough decision. That 505 is a great receiver for the price, though.

The next major part are the wires...I've read in this forum, and I got the sense that I don't have to get Monster type wires...

Nope, you don't need Monster cable. They won't hurt anything, but they cost more than you need to spend to get the same results.

Adam

 

[avaserfi]

Nope, you don't need Monster cable. They won't hurt anything, but they cost more than you need to spend to get the same results.

Adam

I do have one problem with that statement. I am pretty sure they will hurt your wallet and if anything should hurt the wallet it should be the speakers!

 

[Adam]

I do have one problem with that statement. I am pretty sure they will hurt your wallet and if anything should hurt the wallet it should be the speakers!

Good point! But, he got three pairs of speakers for only $150, so his wallet could handle a little "you want $1.50 a foot for that speaker cable?!" pain.

 

[Nick250]

Preamp outputs are for separate more powerful external amplification. I have a Sunfire 5 channel (5 speakers) 405wpc amplifier hooked to mine to power all of my speakers. I just use my Denon receiver as a processor. (it does everything else.)

Receivers are fine machines, but they are a compromise over separates. Most of the compromise comes in the power they can actually put out. My receiver says it puts out 110wpc for all speakers. In truth that 110 watts is divided 5 ways. So NONE of my speakers is getting anywhere close to 110 watts. Hence the move to separate amplification. I know my speakers are now running to thier full potential & won't run out of steam during intense scenes or loud passages of music. (Think 1812 Overture cannons!)

Have a read of THE ALL CHANNELS DRIVEN FALLACY and be enlightened.

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14222&highlight=channels

 

[guynexdoor]

Adam:

Can you send me an email: guynexdoor@gmail.com

If you don't mind, I'd like to communicate with you via IM or something cause I'm about to buy a receiver, and I don't know whether to get 605 or 505

Thank you
Reynaldo