My first set up. Question on Polk Monitors

[Tucker Z]

Hello All,

I've been wanting to get my own set-up for a long time. I've always had a sony all in one box system but it's time to upgrade. There are already some great black friday deals and I'm ready to pull the trigger. This set up will start as two floorstanding speakers, a new receiver, and a sub (possibly a center channel too). About equal use for music & movies.
I've got a few questions:

Newegg.com has great deals on both the Monitor 75T for $180 each as well as the smaller Monitor60 Series II for $88 each. From what I can tell, the only difference is slightly larger + one additional driver and a small increase in max watts. How much of a difference is the going to make? If I want to have a set that will last me for many years, should I go with the 75T? Is it worth double the money?

In relation to the above. Am I better off going with the bigger 75T floor speaker and waiting to get a center channel? or should I allocate my money to get a center channel + the two Monitor 60's? What center channel speaker would you recommend from Polk (Polk because Newegg has stuff for 60%+ off right now)? What do I need to know about a center channel?

Receiver recommendations please! Something with 4K HDR capability is important to me. I was looking at the Sony DN1070 but there are no good deals at the moment. Is it true that a good set of speakers will last a lifetime but I should plan on replacing receiver every few years to keep up with tech?

I'm looking at this 12" Polk PSW505 subwoofer. It is 70% off so it's only $180. Any comments? Would the 12" sub be too much if I decide to go with the smaller Monitor60 floor speakers?

Thank you in advance for your help!

 

[Mark of Cenla]

I like Polk, and those are really good prices. However, most here will tell you to look elsewhere. Good luck.

 

[Tucker Z]

I like Polk, and those are really good prices. However, most here will tell you to look elsewhere. Good luck.

Thanks Mark, I know I probably don't classify as an Audioholic at this price point but the reviews on the Polks seem very good! Hopefully in 5-10 years I can afford a $10K set up but for now I need to be under $1K.

 

[speakerman39]

Thanks Mark, I know I probably don't classify as an Audioholic at this price point but the reviews on the Polks seem very good! Hopefully in 5-10 years I can afford a $10K set up but for now I need to be under $1K.

Hey, if I were you I would wait a bit longer. Best Buy is going to have really good deals on the Sony Cores speakers. Black Friday will be here before you know it. They are also having some of the Klipsch speakers at half price. It will be worth your wait inmho. As far as AVR's go, I would opt for this one:

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavrs920w/denon-avr-s920w-7.2-ch-x-90-watts-networking-a/v-receiver/1.html

Don't be afraid of a factory refurbished. Have bought 4-5 AVR's from Acc4less ALL w/o a hitch. Highly recommend. The Sony Cores are fantastic sounding speakers. Best wishes!

Cheers,

Phil

 

[speakerman39]

Forgot to mention this. But, Best Buy will also have a 12" Klipsch sub for $225! I am sure it is much better than that Polk. Don't throw money away on the Polk sub. Hope this helps!

Cheers,

Phil

 

[Tucker Z]

Hey, if I were you I would wait a bit longer. Best Buy is going to have really good deals on the Sony Cores speakers. Black Friday will be here before you know it. They are also having some of the Klipsch speakers at half price. It will be worth your wait inmho. As far as AVR's go, I would opt for this one:

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavrs920w/denon-avr-s920w-7.2-ch-x-90-watts-networking-a/v-receiver/1.html

Don't be afraid of a factory refurbished. Have bought 4-5 AVR's from Acc4less ALL w/o a hitch. Highly recommend. The Sony Cores are fantastic sounding speakers. Best wishes!

Cheers,

Phil

Thanks for the heads up Phil. It sounds like you'd recommend Sony over Polk in general? I did see some good sales coming up for klipsch as well but it seems like the same speaker in terms of specs is almost double the Polk. Worth it?


For everyone, am I better off spending my money on two nicer floor standing speakers with no center for the next six months to a year. Or get smaller floor standing speakers plus a center channel?

What about the sub? Do I definitely need the 12" or will a 10" be sufficient?

 

[Pogre]

if you're definitely getting a sub(s) you could consider getting bookshelf speakers for your front l/r. you can get better quality speakers for the same money.

 

[speakerman39]

Thanks for the heads up Phil. It sounds like you'd recommend Sony over Polk in general? I did see some good sales coming up for klipsch as well but it seems like the same speaker in terms of specs is almost double the Polk. Worth it?


For everyone, am I better off spending my money on two nicer floor standing speakers with no center for the next six months to a year. Or get smaller floor standing speakers plus a center channel?

What about the sub? Do I definitely need the 12" or will a 10" be sufficient?

Tucker, Polk makes a lot of different speakers. The ones that you are considering are decent at best for home theater, but not very good with music. The tweeter is known to be very harsh and bright sounding even at moderate volume levels. Hence, the Polks can become very fatiguing rather quickly. As such, I would look at other options in your price range.

You mention that you are about 50/50 music/HT. Therefore, I would take a closer look at both the Sony Cores and/or the Klipsch that will be on sale at your local Best Buy on Black Friday. It would be a very good idea to go there before the sale and listen to both the Klipsch and/or the Sony Cores. That way, YOU can decide for YOURSELF what sounds best. We can guide you, but the bottom line comes down to what YOU prefer.

We also need more info in order to help you better. What size is your room? How far will the sweet spot be from the front-stage? What is the layout of your room? Having a sub will make a significant difference in your setup. Maybe it is a good idea to get your fronts and a sub first. Then, expand from there.

For HT purposes, the center channel is the most important speaker in your setup. As such, you need a center that allows for very clear dialogue. The front speakers really need to be matching if possible. Whatever you do, stay away from Polk subs! Anyways, give us a bit more info and we will be glad to help you. Sorry just now getting back to you but Kentucky was playing Michigan State and I am a BIG Blue fan! BTW, KY won too!

Cheers,

Phil

 

[Gtmcmillanjr]

I think it depends on how much music you will listen to. Personally if you want to get a new reciever and you plan to listen to music as well as surround sound... I would look for some nice used mains and try to match the center as close as possible. I would stay away from any speakers not made in the USA or Europe.

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[Gtmcmillanjr]

Oh yeah.... and I'd stay far away from polks... they just don't sound good for music in my opinion. Look for a nice pair of older JBLS L 50 or even JBL L 20t. I've had great success with matching the l20t with a center channel and it's a very musical speaker and can be had for $150 a pair if you look. They are small bookshelf speakers but don't sound like it. Since you'll be running a sub it doesn't matter. You can't touch those old JBLS L series sound for under $1500 a pair these days.

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[-Jim-]

Tucker,

As an owner of both Sony & Denon receivers, I'd go for that unit that Speakerman suggested. Timing on Black Friday deals is always tough, but that is a serious discount on a decent rig.

There will be some smoking hot deals on Subs, and mains. I too would recommend spending the extra on the Sub and going with bookshelf sized mains with a matching Center Channel now. If you get rich later you can move the bookshelf speakers to the rear and but some floor standing units.