Newbie needs advice

[Ou811]

Hello, let me start by saying I checked into the Beginners & Audiophytes section, however, it was displaying 0 threads for some reason. I am definitely a beginner and would appreciate any help.

I need a little advice on what to do with my current setup and what options I have as far as upgrading go.

Currently I run:
Receiver: insignia ns-r5100
Fronts: paradigm monitor 9
Center: polk cs2

I just purchased 2 polk monitor 70's to use as my new fronts and was thinking about using the paradigms as surrounds.

I realize my receiver is probably garbage. I was wondering what I should look at to power these speakers for a reasonable price.

Also if I use the paradigms as surrounds I will have 25ft runs, is 14ga wire sufficient or should I use 12ga? Should I use 12ga for the polks that would be 5ft away from the receiver?

Finally, I have a paradigm ps 1000 subwoofer, but my old roommates messed it up. Im no expert so I dont know whats wrong with it, would it be cost effective to try to have it repaired (if it can be) or to look for a new subwoofer (when the time comes)

Thank you very much

 

[GranteedEV]

I just purchased 2 polk monitor 70's to use as my new fronts and was thinking about using the paradigms as surrounds.

Is that... even an... upgrade?

I realize my receiver is probably garbage. I was wondering what I should look at to power these speakers for a reasonable price.

I don't believe in spending too much on electronics but yea, you don't want garbage I think factory refurbs are the way to go as long as you get a warranty. My choice?

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/MARSR5004/Marantz/SR5004-90w-X-7ch-Home-Theater-Surround-Receiver/1.html

Here is another you may consider:

http://store.audioholics.com/product/3434/69/yamaha-rx-v867-surround-receiver

Also if I use the paradigms as surrounds I will have 25ft runs, is 14ga wire sufficient or should I use 12ga?

14 awg should be fine unless we're talking 50 foot runs. It's also a bit more flexible/easy to work with.

Should I use 12ga for the polks that would be 5ft away from the receiver?

Even 16 awg should be more than fine!

Finally, I have a paradigm ps 1000 subwoofer, but my old roommates messed it up. Im no expert so I dont know whats wrong with it, would it be cost effective to try to have it repaired (if it can be) or to look for a new subwoofer (when the time comes)

Three New Big Bad Subs, new mains, and new center too

 

[Mike Ronesia]

What is your budget and what do you use it for? One of the rules I've heard a lot of people say is for HT you want the front 3 speakers to be matching or at least from the same series. Though I have never heard a none matching system this makes sence to me.

You will get the best advice if you give more info like budget, use, room size and type. All these things play into an answer and these guys have a lot of great advice if you ask the right questions.

 

[Ou811]

<quote>Quote:
Originally Posted by Ou811 View Post
I just purchased 2 polk monitor 70's to use as my new fronts and was thinking about using the paradigms as surrounds.
Is that... even an... upgrade?
</quote>
lol Maybe not an upgrade but for $360/pair I couldn't pass them up.

Usage would be 40% movies, 40% gaming, 20% music in the living room of my small (860ish sq ft) 1b/1b apartment. I think the dimensions are somewhere around 13x15.

I really like that Marantz you linked GranteedEV, and it is also in my budget. The Yamaha is nice but seems to be very similar to the Marantz but more expensive?

Also, I am running my ps3/x360/wii/dvr into my tv (samsung pn50b550)via hdmi and components, then to my receiver using a digital optical cable. Is there a better way to do this that would increase sound quality?

Thanks so much for the help!

 

[AVRat]

At least with the Polks up front, you now have a timbre matched front soundstage.

Sending all your sources through the receiver first will give you a much better surround experience.

What is the sub doing/not?

 

[GranteedEV]

lol Maybe not an upgrade but for $360/pair I couldn't pass them up.

For that price you could have gotten a pair of infinity primus or behringer 2031P...

I really like that Marantz you linked GranteedEV, and it is also in my budget. The Yamaha is nice but seems to be very similar to the Marantz but more expensive?

Probably. THere aren't too many big differences between receivers once you get past the bare entry level.

Also, I am running my ps3/x360/wii/dvr into my tv (samsung pn50b550)via hdmi and components, then to my receiver using a digital optical cable. Is there a better way to do this that would increase sound quality?

Optical does not carry lossless 5+ channel, so you are losing fidelity, especially with the PS3. I doubt with those speakers it'd make a huge difference but I do think you can do better by running everything through the (new) receiver and then just run the one video via HDMI to the TV from the receiver.