music/movie set up

[chriscorv5]

We are 90% sure that we are going to get the Polk Audio RTI10's i wanted a HK AVS130 receiver and the guy at the store said that that would not be enought power 5x45watt, for the speakers he also said that he likes denon (sp?) better it has more of a richer sound he said vs. the HK more crisp sound. Any ways for the money is that a good speaker/receiver set up? or can you recommend some thing better for the under $1600 price mark?

 

[nm2285]

The Polk's are a very respectable company. Good choice. I'm not sure about their specs but if they have a sensitivity of about 90, 91 or higher, the H/K will prob be sufficient (their specs are underrated). However, more (quality) power is definately better. If you can step up to the 230 or get something like the 1800 series from Denon, do it.

 

[chriscorv5]

ok ill have to look in to it, should i get a center speaker right off the bat or listen to how it sounds and then decide if i want one?

 

[nm2285]

How much are you going to be watching movies on this system? If it's going to be often and/or you're going to add surround speakers soon, go ahead and get the center channel. If not, wait.

 

[julianj]

Less powerful amplifier doesn't mean less loud a sound coming out from your speakers. Consider the speaker's efficiency. More efficient speakers will output louder sound even with small amplifier. Avoid anything below 86dB efficiency. If you can find one with 94dB, then you're in for a treat! But ultimately, the sound quality is what we are looking for, not quantity. If you like to learn more about speakers and how to properly assess and evaluate great-sounding speakers, go to http://www.soundvisiontech.com. Good Luck!

 

[nm2285]

There's no need to avoid speakers with sensitivity below 86 or go for speakers with a sensitivity above 94. There are great speakers at all sensitivity ratings. The important thing is to match components. Don't get a speaker with a rating below 86 db and expect to drive it well with a 50W receiver. I have NHT SB2s which have a rating of 86 and have used them with a 35W Yamaha, a 75W Denon, and a 120W NAD. The NAD is by far the best match for them. The sound is much more open and controlled than with the other two components.

More real, usable power in a receiver means more control over speakers with any sensitivity. Be aware of overblown specs. A good way to judge is to look at the rating and the weight of the receiver. The heavier the receiver, probably the more robust the amp.