Looking to Upgrade System

[NDyse10]

I have been searching around here for a while, but decided it was time to make an account as I do enjoy the discussion that goes on here.

Currently, I am looking at doing some upgrading to my equipment, but I am not totally sure where my money would be best used. I currently have the Onkyo 6200 system, Polk Tsi200s and Polk Cs20 center channel. I do like the polks regardless of what people think of them but I know there is a lot better out there. So right now the way I have things set up is I am using a 3.1 system. The receiver is what came in the 6200 system, the Tsi200s as my fronts, the Cs20 as my center and the subwoofer that came with the 6200 system (I have the other surround speakers from the 6200 system but do not have them hooked up).

The question I find myself now is where my money would be best used to upgrading my system the most (keep in mind I'm a college student so there is a loose budget). I have been flipflopping all around whether to get Tower speakers, a new subwoofer or a new receiver (or any combination of the 3). My budget probably maxes out at $1000 right now, but I plan on doing this piece by piece so I am not looking to finish the entire system as of now. So if that means I buy a really nice pair of Tower Speakers and I have to wait in a new receiver or subwoofer than that is fine (if that maximizes my system the most, but I would need to be sure my Onkyo 6200 receiver could power the towers I purchased in the meantime). Also, if I needed to spend $100-$200 more and get some much higher quality stuff then that is something I could do. Keep in mind a very large majority of my time with my speakers is music, but I do watch a few movies and play video games quite a bit. I listen to pretty much everything but I listen to classic rock, hard rock, rap, Alternative (think Script, Mumford and Sons type bands). I would be listening to my music in a 2.1 format or 2.0 depending on how much bass the Tower Speakers could produce, but I would like to be able to have a receiver that will allow me to have a nice 5.1 or 7.1 set up in future.


I would appreciate any and all feedback people have!

Thanks,

Nick

 

[96cobra10101]

I just bought the Yami RX-A800 for $425 shipped on Amazon. It's not what I would use in my home theater room, but it has some great features you would find on the bigger more expensive units and as a third receiver it has what I need. 7.2 powered and pre-outs, front presence, Zone 2, rs232, HD radio. Here's what Yamaha says about its power

Amplifier Section Channel 7.2
Rated Output Power (20Hz-20kHz, 2ch driven) 95W (8ohms, 0.08% THD)
Dynamic Power per Channel (8/6/4/2 ohms) 130/165/195/240W

No USB, No ethernet though.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Do you know what the recurring theme in the world of audiophile is?

Upgrade fever. We all spend money here and there and then we want more and more.

I spent 7 yrs in college. Most of us have been through college. We know.

Save up and get that "dream speaker system ".

You don't want to waste your money a little here and there.

How far are you from graduation?

I would just save the money, continue to do all the research, and buy that "dream system" as a graduation/new career present for yourself.

I bet $4K total could buy you a really nice complete matching dream system.

So many examples. Research, explore, try to audition as many speakers as possible along the way.

For example, a Philharmonic 1 tower pr for $1.6K total. Dual Rythmik FV12 subwoofers for $1K total. 3 small Philharmonic 1 bookshelf speakers for Center & Surrounds for maybe $750 total (DMURPHY can elaborate ).

Or the Aperion Verus Grand system. A lot of options.

Define your criteria and budget.

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/loudspeakers/77246-dream-speakers-under-$6-000-retail.html

 

[sholling]

I'd start with a better subwoofer. Since I have no idea where it's going I can't recommend anything. Measure your space and contact some of the big guys like Hsu research, Outlaw, and Rythmik and ask for recommendations. I'd wait on the rest of it until you finish school.

 

[lsiberian]

I think your best bet is to keep it cheap in college. Unless you are really doing great financially(no debt, good savings, good cash flow) you shouldn't be buying things like this in college. I know people don't come here for this kind of advice, but waiting has always been better for me.

 

[zieglj01]

Start slow and build up - there is some good budget items out there.
However, do not buy a cheap sounding sub. You may have to spend
a little more, on the sub.
I know that you like the Polk - however, there is better. If mainly
music - I would look at the front channel speakers and sub - then
build from there - maybe 2.1 to start.

 

[NDyse10]

I have 3 semesters left until I graduate (so 1.5 years) so not too much longer. I am starting to think about it more and after yours and Isberian's advice the best option for now may be to wait for getting things. That being said, I would really like to get a new subwoofer. I really don't like the 6200's as it is very boomy and not clear. At what price range would I be looking at to get a above average to high quality subwoofer that is good for music?

 

[zieglj01]

At what price range would I be looking at to get a above average to high quality subwoofer that is good for music?

Around $500 average - what is the room size?

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I have 3 semesters left until I graduate (so 1.5 years) so not too much longer. I am starting to think about it more and after yours and Isberian's advice the best option for now may be to wait for getting things. That being said, I would really like to get a new subwoofer. I really don't like the 6200's as it is very boomy and not clear. At what price range would I be looking at to get a above average to high quality subwoofer that is good for music?

Definitely wait and get the whole system if possible.

Or at least get dual subs first. Then get the rest of the 5.0 system.

I would get something accurate and tight like the $500 Rythmik FV12, which has a Q-value of 0.5 (tight accurate bass), and goes down to 14Hz @-2dB. These are audiophile subwoofers. 2 of these will be $1000.

 

[NDyse10]

Definitely wait and get the whole system if possible.

Or at least get dual subs first. Then get the rest of the 5.0 system.

I would get something accurate and tight like the $500 Rythmik FV12, which has a Q-value of 0.5 (tight accurate bass), and goes down to 14Hz @-2dB. These are audiophile subwoofers. 2 of these will be $1000.

Well my current receiver is a 7.1 so I could not use both if I purchased both. Also, will the onkyo receiver I have be able to power the Rythmik FV12?

 

[zieglj01]

Also, will the onkyo receiver I have be able to power the Rythmik FV12?

The sub has it's own amp - no stress on the receiver.

 

[NDyse10]

The sub has it's own amp - no stress on the receiver.

That is right. I am fairly new to all this so sometimes I forget simple things like that. Thanks!

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Well my current receiver is a 7.1 so I could not use both if I purchased both. Also, will the onkyo receiver I have be able to power the Rythmik FV12?

All you need is a Y-cable. The FV12 has its own power amp. The Onkyo or any AVR just need to feed the subs the signal.

The Y-cable will split the single LFE signal into 2.

 

[NDyse10]

All you need is a Y-cable. The FV12 has its own power amp. The Onkyo or any AVR just need to feed the subs the signal.

The Y-cable will split the single LFE signal into 2.

Was looking into the other subwoofers that Rythmik offers. Are the other ones they have also very precise and "audiophile" quality as you said the FV12 is?

 

[zieglj01]

Some reviews
http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0709/rythmik_f12se.htm

Rythmik FV15HP Subwoofer Review — Reviews and News from Audioholics

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Was looking into the other subwoofers that Rythmik offers. Are the other ones they have also very precise and "audiophile" quality as you said the FV12 is?

Yes, Rythmik uses direct servo to produce accurate tight bass w/ a Q - value of 0.5.

All their subs have this quality. Their bigger subs will produce more output. Their more expensive subs will be nicer looking (high-gloss piano black finish).

I listen to my Salon2 & Linkwitz Orion in 2.1 stereo because I feel my Rythmik subs are so tight and accurate.

 

[NDyse10]

Yes, Rythmik uses direct servo to produce accurate tight bass w/ a Q - value of 0.5.

All their subs have this quality. Their bigger subs will produce more output. Their more expensive subs will be nicer looking (high-gloss piano black finish).

I listen to my Salon2 & Linkwitz Orion in 2.1 stereo because I feel my Rythmik subs are so tight and accurate.

Well it sounds like Rythmik is highly touted for subwoofers. Are there any other brands that would be similar to the Rythmik in terms of the tight and accurate bass?

 

[zieglj01]

^^^^ For some insight - look at this
SHOOTOUT! Epik Empire vs HSU VTF-15H vs CHT CS18.1 vs Rythmik FV15 vs eD A7s-450 - AVS Forum

And this
http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/subwoofers/72728-quick-reference-thread-audioholics-ultimate-subwoofer-shootout.html

And, just pick some shootouts here
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1367811