Need advice on new receiver/speaker setup

[JWalton]

I need advice on the possibility of running a system with two front speakers, a center speaker, and probably a subwoofer only in a surround sound mode for watching movies. I also want to listen to two channel stereo.

I currently have a Technics SA-DX940 (5.1 - 5x100w per channel) hooked to two Polk R11T speakers (oldies but goodies). I recently purchased a new Panasonic plasma and decided to add a center speaker to my 2 speaker system, as I had to move the speakers farther apart because of the larger screen, and I wanted some center fill sound, even though the system still sounds good in the simulated surround mode.

I found out that my receiver will not push both my two Polk R11t's that are 6 ohms and my new center CS1 Polk, 8 ohms, at the same time.

I want to buy a receiver that will drive the Polks and the new center speaker. I know little about home theater systems, so I ask anyone who can help me to provide feedback on the following:

Can I run just two front speakers and a center speaker only in any true surround sound mode? If not, what mode could I use?

If I can run two front and a center speaker only, would I be able to add a subwoofer that would augment the center speaker?

If so, what receivers would you recommend that would have the flexibility and low impedence capability?

I want at least 90/100 watts per channel. I also want to be able to have the front speakers to have a no subwoofer cut off, as they have two 8" fluid coupled subwoofers in each speaker and can reproduce decent SPLs down to 40/45 hz.

I am unable to use rear or any other surround sound speakers because of home layout issues.

I like Onkyo and Yamaha but am open to any suggestions. I'd like to spend less than $400 (internet price) on the new receiver.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[hemiram]

I just got the Yamaha RX-V659 and I really like it, I was looking at the Onkyo 603/703 and the Denon 1706 (no pre outs), and I ended up with the 659, and I have no complaints at all. I've always had great luck with Yamaha (and Onkyo too), and so I went with another one. You can get the 659 for $350 or less at quite a few places.

 

[mtrycrafts]

I need advice on the possibility of running a system with two front speakers, a center speaker, and probably a subwoofer only in a surround sound mode for watching movies. I also want to listen to two channel stereo.

I currently have a Technics SA-DX940 (5.1 - 5x100w per channel) hooked to two Polk R11T speakers (oldies but goodies). I recently purchased a new Panasonic plasma and decided to add a center speaker to my 2 speaker system, as I had to move the speakers farther apart because of the larger screen, and I wanted some center fill sound, even though the system still sounds good in the simulated surround mode.

I found out that my receiver will not push both my two Polk R11t's that are 6 ohms and my new center CS1 Polk, 8 ohms, at the same time.

I want to buy a receiver that will drive the Polks and the new center speaker. I know little about home theater systems, so I ask anyone who can help me to provide feedback on the following:

Can I run just two front speakers and a center speaker only in any true surround sound mode? If not, what mode could I use?

If I can run two front and a center speaker only, would I be able to add a subwoofer that would augment the center speaker?

If so, what receivers would you recommend that would have the flexibility and low impedence capability?

I want at least 90/100 watts per channel. I also want to be able to have the front speakers to have a no subwoofer cut off, as they have two 8" fluid coupled subwoofers in each speaker and can reproduce decent SPLs down to 40/45 hz.

I am unable to use rear or any other surround sound speakers because of home layout issues.

I like Onkyo and Yamaha but am open to any suggestions. I'd like to spend less than $400 (internet price) on the new receiver.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Who said that receiver will not drive your speakers? It is rated at 100 watts.
Your three fronts will not need max power at the same instant. I would not worry right now.

 

[tomd51]

Similar to mtrycraft's post, I would suggest running the Technics w/all three speakers before considering a new receiver, the amp section on that should be able to accommodate those three speakers.

If you find out after some listening evaluations that it's not what you'd hoped for or are looking for better surround sound matrixing due to the lack of surrounds and an older unit, I would suggest a high entry-mid-level Yamaha as their surround modes are fairly impressive in comparision to other receivers in their price range. If you'd be willing to buy a refurbished product, you can get a great deal on a Yamaha, Denon, Onkyo or Pioneer receiver that would most definitely fit within your budget and give you plenty of power for current and future use.

If there aren't any side walls to mound surrounds, would using in-ceilings or mounting small surrounds via brackets from the ceiling be an option? While using a surround sound matrix DSP will help provide a better soundfield than just stereo , I've yet to hear one that sounds anywhere near as good a a real 5.1 configuration. Just some considerations, if they're possible... -TD

 

[jamiecrane]

I need advice on the possibility of running a system with two front speakers, a center speaker, and probably a subwoofer only in a surround sound mode for watching movies. I also want to listen to two channel stereo.

I currently have a Technics SA-DX940 (5.1 - 5x100w per channel) hooked to two Polk R11T speakers (oldies but goodies). I recently purchased a new Panasonic plasma and decided to add a center speaker to my 2 speaker system, as I had to move the speakers farther apart because of the larger screen, and I wanted some center fill sound, even though the system still sounds good in the simulated surround mode.

I found out that my receiver will not push both my two Polk R11t's that are 6 ohms and my new center CS1 Polk, 8 ohms, at the same time.

I want to buy a receiver that will drive the Polks and the new center speaker. I know little about home theater systems, so I ask anyone who can help me to provide feedback on the following:

Can I run just two front speakers and a center speaker only in any true surround sound mode? If not, what mode could I use?

If I can run two front and a center speaker only, would I be able to add a subwoofer that would augment the center speaker?

If so, what receivers would you recommend that would have the flexibility and low impedence capability?

I want at least 90/100 watts per channel. I also want to be able to have the front speakers to have a no subwoofer cut off, as they have two 8" fluid coupled subwoofers in each speaker and can reproduce decent SPLs down to 40/45 hz.

I am unable to use rear or any other surround sound speakers because of home layout issues.

I like Onkyo and Yamaha but am open to any suggestions. I'd like to spend less than $400 (internet price) on the new receiver.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

As stated above, I would keep your current rcvr and would not replace it until it has proven itself unable to power your speakers (rcvr goes into shutdown/protection mode).
I have a rcvr (denon 3805) that powers 7 speakers with the front L/R being 6ohms and the center being 4 ohms and it has never shut down.
You can not have "true surround" mode with out surround speakers, just not going to happen. Well there might be a couple exceptions but they are pricey and I haven't heard them so I won't comment on them (yammy has one I believe).

Most modern rcvrs will let you select your speakers as large or small and if small many have mulitple xover points that are user selectable. IF you go this route anything below the xover should be sent to the sub along with any .1 LFE.
You could select Large for the polks so they will play full range and small for the center and anything less than the xover point will go to the sub.
Don't buy the cheapest center speaker you can find either, it is acutally the most important speaker in HT responsible for over 80% of soundtrack playback.

Good luck

jamie