is this selection of gear ok?

[yonith]

I currently live in a second story apartment. My living room is roughly 17x15. Nobody lives below me so I think I can get away with upgrading my surround sound system (I currently use the Logitech Z-5500 which is meant for a PC). I only care about 5.1 and am only looking to spend around $1500. Here is my selection of gear:

receiver: Denon AVR1612 $350
front speakers: Polk Audio TSI300 $420
center speaker: Klipsch KC-25 $250
rear speakers: Klipsch KB-15 $250
subwoofer: Polk Audio PSW110 $250

Total $1520

What do you guys think?

 

[gmichael]

I think you should try to get all of your speakers from the same manufacturer. (The sub doesn't have to be though) Fronts and center for sure.

 

[Steve81]

Right off the bat, you don't want to mix and match brands with your front three speakers.

Second, I probably wouldn't bother with floorstanding speakers; instead I'd put the money towards a better subwoofer.

Third, while I won't knock Polk and Klipsch (I own and am satisfied with Klipsch speakers), I'd definitely shop around a bit/do more research/listen to as many brands as I reasonably could before plopping down your cash. Some people find a lot of value in internet direct brands for instance (Ascend, Aperion, et al), and you might find you prefer speakers from other brands such as Infinity, JBL, Energy, Paradigm, PSB, etc...

 

[jonnythan]

Denon 1712 $250
Pioneer FS51 $120
Pioneer C21 $100
Pioneer BS21 $100
Rythmik FV12 $550

$1120

 

[yonith]

So bookshelf speakers acting as rear speakers is ok? I notice that in packages like this for the Klipsch B - 20 Home Theater System they use that different style speaker.

I'm liking the input so far. I went based off of what I heard at Best Buy. The Polk floorstanding sounded great and seemed better considering the price compared to the Klipsch floorstanding. Didn't realizing mix and matching mattered.

 

[Steve81]

So bookshelf speakers acting as rear speakers is ok?

It's a matter of preference. I doubt anyone will mock you for it.

Didn't realizing mix and matching mattered.

It makes for more seamless transitions as sounds pan across the front stage.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Denon 1712 $250
Pioneer FS51 $120
Pioneer C21 $100
Pioneer BS21 $100
Rythmik FV12 $550

$1120

FV12 has been out of stock for quite a while now...
HSU VTF-2 MK4 is good replacement
I also recommend switching to 2012 Pioneer Andrew Jones models...
ps: Denon AVR price from AC4L

 

[yonith]

FV12 has been out of stock for quite a while now...
HSU VTF-2 MK4 is good replacement
I also recommend switching to 2012 Pioneer Andrew Jones models...
ps: Denon AVR price from AC4L

I listened to those new Pioneer Andrew Jones models at Best Buy being driven from the same source as the Klipsch and Polk, and I noticed that they definitely were quieter and not as clear. For the price they seem pretty good though.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

I listened to those new Pioneer Andrew Jones models at Best Buy being driven from the same source as the Klipsch and Polk, and I noticed that they definitely were quieter and not as clear. For the price they seem pretty good though.

The problem with Klipsch is in real rooms (vs huge open warehouse) they are too bright for many people... Some do like them though.
Same can be said for many lower series polks

"Quieter" is simply a matter of matching the levels (which best buy didn't bothered to do) and Pioneer speakers do need a bit more power from amp

 

[j_garcia]

FV12 has been out of stock for quite a while now...

Actually, it hasn't. It was back in stock about 2 weeks go (redesigned) and is already sold out again

Yes, all your main speakers should match except the sub, and the sub should not be from Polk when looking at budget subs.

 

[ImcLoud]

$1500 is a decent budget...

If it was my money...

I would buy a HSU vtf2 sub $620 shipped
{I did a lot of research and ended up with this one for my theater, it is insane}...

Then I would go with the new pioneer speakers, they are $400 at tigers direct...

Onkyo 709 receiver Onkyo TX-NR709 7.2-Channel 3-D Ready Network A/V Receiver | Accessories4less or Pioneer Newegg.com - Pioneer SC-1222-K 7.2-Channel Network Ready AV Receiver

Get an avr with preouts, so next time you want to upgrade you can get a separate amplifier with out having to change receivers... I think receivers with no preouts are for the low budget or people who will never again upgrade... The pioneer is a good price.. Thats a nice avr for $600!!! but will put you $100 north of your budget....

Then the next time you want to upgrade get a Emotiva XPA5 200X3 amp $600, and then the next time you want to upgrade get your self a really nice front stage, {front l, r, and center}.
But no matter what you choose seriously consider preouts, if you are one to upgrade in the future...
Good luck...

 

[zieglj01]

I listened to those new Pioneer Andrew Jones models at Best Buy being driven from the same source as the Klipsch and Polk, and I noticed that they definitely were quieter and not as clear. For the price they seem pretty good though.

Best Buy is not the best enviorment, for speaker audition.

The speaker choice is up to you - however, the Pioneer's are
not voiced to jump out at you in the showroom. >> They are
voiced to be balanced and smooth, and have good detail with
out being aggressive, sharp/edgy or thin sounding. Sometimes
the speakers that jump out at you, end up having an aggressive
treble and weak midrange. Also listen closely, to see if you can
pick up the difference between boomy/muddy and one note bass,
compared to tight controlled and articulate bass.

Good luck and have fun with your choice.

 

[ImcLoud]

Best Buy is not the best enviorment, for speaker audition.

The speaker choice is up to you - however, the Pioneer's are
not voiced to jump out at you in the showroom. >> They are
voiced to be balanced and smooth, and have good detail with
out being aggressive, sharp/edgy or thin sounding. Sometimes
the speakers that jump out at you, end up having an aggressive
treble and weak midrange. Also listen closely, to see if you can
pick up the difference between boomy/muddy and one note bass,
compared to tight controlled and articulate bass.

Good luck and have fun with your choice.

But them Pioneers do sound, good, even in best buy... They try to push energy, klipsch, Definitive tech, and B&W, all of which I heard there...

 

[zieglj01]

But them Pioneers do sound, good, even in best buy... They try to push energy, klipsch, Definitive tech, and B&W, all of which I heard there...

It takes me less then 1 song to know that the Pioneer's
have what it takes. So many people get caught up in the
loudness thing, and the aggressive forward treble sound.

 

[ImcLoud]

It takes me less then 1 song to know that the Pioneer's
have what it takes. So many people get caught up in the
loudness thing, and the aggressive forward treble sound.

I agree, I can not stand the new energy line and to me a lot of the klipsch line are too brite.. for some reason they just wear me out, not something I can listen to for long periods of time... I can sit and listen to my Wharfedales or Lores for hours, and my ascends are even easier to listen too... I like flat, defined, speakers with strong mids and balanced highs...

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

New energy And klipsch owner is audiovox
They have ruined both acoustic research, advent and jensen.

 

[ImcLoud]

New energy And klipsch owner is audiovox
They have ruined both acoustic research, advent and jensen.

I didnt know that, thanks... Kind of explains it I guess... I used to love Energy's products, but I heard the cf50s and they were cocky... If someone wants to see what "brite" is, go listen to them at any volume for 5 minutes..

 

[ahblaza]

It takes me less then 1 song to know that the Pioneer's
have what it takes. So many people get caught up in the
loudness thing, and the aggressive forward treble sound.

Zieg, I have to agree with you, it didn't take long to warm up to the BS41's articulate sweet treble, I have a hard time with people who associate in your face loud forward presentation as good sounding. I am really looking forward to getting my F2's, I haven't been this excited about a $200 a pair speaker in a long time.

 

[ahblaza]

New energy And klipsch owner is audiovox
They have ruined both acoustic research, advent and jensen.

Thanks BSA for the useful post, I didn't know that. My first setup in 1972 consisted of a huge pair of Jensens, I thought they were the best thing since sliced bread, it's a shame what a company can do to a top tier brand overnight.

 

[zieglj01]

Zieg, I have to agree with you, it didn't take long to warm up to the BS41's articulate sweet treble, I have a hard time with people who associate in your face loud forward presentation as good sounding. I am really looking forward to getting my F2's, I haven't been this excited about a $200 a pair speaker in a long time.

Well, if you can not pick up a difference in sound, between the
series 2 and series 1 speakers > then let me know - then I will
send you a ear-wax removal kit.