Lots of questions regarding HT system upgrade.

[foilingfool]

First off, I would like to say hello to everyone since I am newly registered. I have been a lurker for a while, and am now seeking some feedback if you don't mind.

My wife decided we needed to redecorate our family room (new carpet, paint, all new furniture, etc), and I was able to work in a new TV and HT system into the deal

So, first, my old system (circa 1998):

• Speakers (all Polk):
  • Fronts - RT5
  • Center - CS225
  • Rears - M3II
  • Sub - PSW120 (8", 90watts)
• Receiver:
  • Sony STR-DE835
• DVD:
  • Old Sony changer unit
• TV:
  • 57" Sony CRT rear projection (huge, room filling behemoth)
• TV Feed:
  • DirecTV HR20 HD DVR and HD OTA

This system is used for HT 95% or more, and only a small amount <5% for music.

Here is what I have planned:

• Speakers:
  • SVS SBS-01 5.1 system, with the PB10-NSD sub (would like the PB12-NSD, but not enough room)
• Receiver:
  • Yamaha RX-V659
• DVD:
  • OPPO DV-981HD
• TV:
  • Sony 52" XBR LCD (already purchased)
• TV Feed:
  • DirecTV HR20 HD DVR and HD OTA (no changes)

So, now my questions:

1. Speakers:
   • I know the SVS sub will certainly outperform my current Polk sub, but what can I expect from the SVS bookshelf units compared to my old Polks?
   • My room is 12' x 22' x 8' with one opening into the kitchen area. Do you think the PB10-NSD will do this room justice? Since the PB12-NSD is physically too big for me to find a location in the room that meets the WAF, my only other option is the SB12-Plus SVS unit (sealed box, no port, smaller box, bigger amp). Would I be better off with the larger 12" driver, but port-less SB12-Plus, or should I stick with the PB10-NSD?
   • Since I live about 20 miles from the SVS factory, I am able to do a local pickup. This is a large part of why I am going with the SVS units rather than something like HSU, av123, etc.
2. Receiver:
   • I am able to find the RX-V659 on ebay for about $308 delivered. I know that I will not have a warranty for that price, but I can live with that fact for the price. Based upon various reviews, including the review here at Audioholics, this appears to be a good unit for the price. Is there any better receiver unit to consider at this price point?
   • How will this unit compare to my existing Sony? From my reading, and the fact that the Sony is ~10 years old, I am assuming that this move is a reasonable upgrade, agree??

So, for a little over $1500 ($1000 for SVS system, $230 for Oppo, $308 for Yamaha recevier), this seems like a pretty good step up from my current system. Thoughts?

Thanks in advance for your feedback,
Tom

 

[mazersteven]

How many more forums are you going to so I don't have to follow you around. LOL

RT5

Driver Complement
Mid/Woofer 1 - 6-1/2" Diameter (16.51cm)
Dynamic Balance® driver
Tweeter 1 - 1" Diameter (2.54cm)
Dynamic Balance® polymer dome tweeter

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Electrical
Overall Frequency Response 39Hz - 25kHz
Lower -3dB Limit 54Hz
Upper -3dB Limit 23kHz
Nominal Impedance 8 ohms
Recommended Amplifier Power 20 - 125 w/channel
Efficiency 89 dB

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dimensions
Cabinet Size 14-1/2" H x 8-1/2" W x 9-3/4" D
(36.83cm H x 21.59cm W x 24.77cm D)
Enclosure Type Vented, dual ports

 

[mazersteven]

I can't tell you how the Polk's would compare to the SVS speakers. I can say the SVS speakers do a awesome job with HT. That sub will out perform the Polk sub thats for sure. I hope someone with experience with the Polks and SVS will chime in.

You could always purchase two SVS speakers bring them home, and audition them with the Polk's, and return them if you don't like them.

 

[BMXTRIX]

I personally am a fan of sealed box subwoofers, but my reference point is purchasing Velodyne HGS gear. I find the smaller box with the higher power ratings give a more controlled and refined sound which still delivers when necessary. Much more seamless flow into the rest of the system. It just typically costs a fair bit of change more for those speakers which some either can't afford, or don't believe that the added cost will deliver substantial sound improvements.

As such, I would consider buying from a shop locally that has a good return policy if you have questions and want to try a couple of different subs in your home. Also, be sure to go in and listen to them carefully with audio content that YOU provide.

The SVS package... I would be seriously hard pressed to call it an upgrade. You are going from entry level to entry level and a step from 6.5" woofers to 5.25" woofers. The surrounds might be an upgrade, but everything else almost looks like a step down - not up. I would personally recommend against it as it looks like you have decent entry level speakers.

If you want to upgrade - then upgrade, don't step sideways because the box is prettier on this brand vs. that brand. Just my opinion of course.

The Oppo is a very good DVD player, but you better have a good universal remote, because the remote on the Oppo sucks. 100% lousy to use! Otherwise, the product is one that I have used and it works well.

The Sony receiver is a bit outdated and going with Yamah or the equivalent Denon...
http://usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/3254.asp#
or perhaps a Pioneer is a great way to go.

 

[jcPanny]

New HT System

Fool,
Great HT system, you have obviously been doing your homework. I think that the new gear will outperform your old system in every aspect.

For the sub options, email SVS or do a demo at their facility. I went with the SB-12 Plus due to my size and WAF requirements and a discount from a forum contest. I would bet that the PB-10 would have more <20 Hz content which is important for movies. Also, you could almost buy two of the PB-10s for the price of the SB-12 Plus.

For the receiver, check out the comparable Yamaha HTR-5960 model. You can buy it online from AUTORIZED dealers for around $300 and you will have a valid warranty. I have last years version, the HTR-5860 and recommend it.

I have also had good results with the entry level Oppo DV-970HD player on my 32" LCD.

 

[Nick250]

First off, I would like to say hello to everyone since I am newly registered. I have been a lurker for a while, and am now seeking some feedback if you don't mind.

My wife decided we needed to redecorate our family room (new carpet, paint, all new furniture, etc), and I was able to work in a new TV and HT system into the deal

So, first, my old system (circa 1998):

• Speakers (all Polk):
  • Fronts - RT5
  • Center - CS225
  • Rears - M3II
  • Sub - PSW120 (8", 90watts)
• Receiver:
  • Sony STR-DE835
• DVD:
  • Old Sony changer unit
• TV:
  • 57" Sony CRT rear projection (huge, room filling behemoth)
• TV Feed:
  • DirecTV HR20 HD DVR and HD OTA

This system is used for HT 95% or more, and only a small amount <5% for music.

Here is what I have planned:

• Speakers:
  • SVS SBS-01 5.1 system, with the PB10-NSD sub (would like the PB12-NSD, but not enough room)
• Receiver:
  • Yamaha RX-V659
• DVD:
  • OPPO DV-981HD
• TV:
  • Sony 52" XBR LCD (already purchased)
• TV Feed:
  • DirecTV HR20 HD DVR and HD OTA (no changes)

So, now my questions:

1. Speakers:
   • I know the SVS sub will certainly outperform my current Polk sub, but what can I expect from the SVS bookshelf units compared to my old Polks?
   • My room is 12' x 22' x 8' with one opening into the kitchen area. Do you think the PB10-NSD will do this room justice? Since the PB12-NSD is physically too big for me to find a location in the room that meets the WAF, my only other option is the SB12-Plus SVS unit (sealed box, no port, smaller box, bigger amp). Would I be better off with the larger 12" driver, but port-less SB12-Plus, or should I stick with the PB10-NSD?
   • Since I live about 20 miles from the SVS factory, I am able to do a local pickup. This is a large part of why I am going with the SVS units rather than something like HSU, av123, etc.
2. Receiver:
   • I am able to find the RX-V659 on ebay for about $308 delivered. I know that I will not have a warranty for that price, but I can live with that fact for the price. Based upon various reviews, including the review here at Audioholics, this appears to be a good unit for the price. Is there any better receiver unit to consider at this price point?
   • How will this unit compare to my existing Sony? From my reading, and the fact that the Sony is ~10 years old, I am assuming that this move is a reasonable upgrade, agree??

So, for a little over $1500 ($1000 for SVS system, $230 for Oppo, $308 for Yamaha recevier), this seems like a pretty good step up from my current system. Thoughts?

Thanks in advance for your feedback,
Tom

Step one: Start auditioning every speaker in your price range that you can find within driveing distance.

Step two: tells what your fingings are we go from there.

It you want a nobrainer buy an Ascend package IMO.

http://www.ascendacoustics.com/

Nick

 

[billy p]

I have auditioned the svs sbs-01 at that price point you would have a hard time doing better. As was mentioned above the svs pb nsd10 would better just about any sub in its class and the sbs-01 speakers were designed for H/T. Now, if music was more a factor I'd also look into the ascends or onix xls from av123 they may better them for music? In the end for home theater the sub is the driving force and the svs sbs-01 system IMO is great. Lastly I listened to some Polks RTi8's good details but to bright for me and I didn't care for that sound.

 

[j_garcia]

The SBS-01s are very good speakers, but I agree, they aren't a huge step up from what you have. I would call them a definite refinement from what you have, but not a 100% improvement. The PB-10 WILL be a 400% improvement though...Polk's subs are junk. Of the internet direct brands, the SVSs are the smallest and easily pass WAF, if that is an issue.

I've heard the X-LSs and the Ascend 170SEs and both are very good for music and HT and are well worth it for the price. Add an HSU or SVS sub to either of their offerings and you will have a nice setup.

 

[mazersteven]

Maybe stepping up to these would work for you?

http://www.svsound.com/products-spks-scs01.cfm

 

[foilingfool]

Thanks everyone for all the great feedback. Here is what I am thinking at this point...

• Receiver: I think the Yamaha will be a step up from my somewhat old Sony unit, and for a little over $300 I don't think I can go wrong. So, I plan to get one on order in the next few days.
• DVD: nothing but good comments on the Oppo, and like the receiver, at this price point it seems silly to put much more thought into it. So, I plan to get the Oppo unit ordered in the next few days as well.
• Subwoofer: No question that my existing Polk unit is pretty bad. After thinking about the feedback on the sealed SB12 vs. the ported PB10, I think I will go with the lower cost PB10 unit, and I can always add a second PB10 later if I desire more boom in the room This would only be slightly more expensive than a single SB12 sealed unit.
• Speakers: I certainly do not want to spend money to "sidegrade", so I am rethinking the speaker category. I think there are 3 different set ups that I would like to try if I can...
  • AV123: x-ls fronts, x-ls rears, x-cs center, with the SVS PB10-NDS sub. This would end up about the same price point as the full SVS SBS-01 setup. Also, with the 30 day policy even covering shipping, this seems like a no-brainer to try out. One concern here is the stock issue. It looks like there are some new models about to come out, and it looks like the x-series units are on backorder for a while??? I am trying to do some reading on the avs123 forums to see when I might actually expect to be able to get a hold of this set up! Some of thier new wood finishes look pretty interesting as well.
  • Ascend: 170SE fronts, 170SE rears, 340SE center, with the SVS PB10-NDS sub. These will end up running a few hundred dollars more than a full SVS set up, but from the feedback, it seems like I should at least give this set up a listen.
  • SVS: SBS-01 set up. Since I live so close to the factory (no shipping charges), and with the 45 day trial period, it seems to make sense to try out the full SVS package as well.

Ahhh, so many good options, so little time and money

Thanks,
Tom

 

[j_garcia]

The Yammie will be a DEFINITE step up from the POS Sony (sorry, but it is the truth).

Oppo - can't go wrong.

If I were you, I would take mazersteven's advice and check out SCS-01s for the front. That should do well enough as an upgrade, especially since they are close. Hearing this package, the center was what impressed me most. I also owned a PB-10 previously and it is an over achiever of a sub.

The new models have been announced, but no hard date for when they will be available; should be any day now and the new finishes look great. These are the "biggest" sounding speaker of the bunch, and they are also physically the largest by a pretty big margin. They have the most bass extension of the group as well and easily the best looking cabinets (almost too good to be true at this price)

The 170SEs are the flattest of the group, with the other two being a tad on the warmer side. Excellent sound, but a little lack luster in appearance.