Noob Needs Help

[shockemags]

I am in the process of building my Home Theater for my apartment's living room. It will be used mostly for TV, Movies, and the occasional music and gaming. I have most of it figured out in the Video area (HDTV, HD-DVD player) But I have some big questions in the Audio department...

I am not an Audiophile by any means but I would like to get the best bang for my buck...

I know I am getting the Onkyo 605 but as far as speakers, I am torn.

I was set on either the Onkyo HT540 or the Onkyo HT740 but on a recent trip to CC, I think I completely changed my Audio philosophy. I saw a set of Polk Audio Monitor 50s on sale for $117 each. I had never thought about towers but it got me thinking so I asked the guy to hear the Polk Audio RM6750 which sounded great and are in my short term budget. I went back home and started researching where I stumbled upon the Yamaha NS-777 which are in the same price with the Polk Audio Monitor 50s but appear to offer a lot more.

So my questions are...

With the 7.1 Onkyo 605, would I be better in the long run by initially purchasing the Polk Audio RM6750 or the Yamaha NS-P436 and later adding either the Polk Audio or Yamaha towers?

How do the respective speakers perform?

Is it better to keep all the same kind of speakers (i.e. Polk with Polk and Yamaha with Yamaha)?

If I do decide to add the towers to an existing 5.1 surround system, will the towers drown out the 5.1 system?

Kind of a side note... What is some good, inexpensive speaker wire and what gauge will I need? AND is a line conditioner recommended? if so, what is an effective, inexpensive one?

I have been browsing for a few months now and gathered as much info as I could with out asking yalls wisdom but now I need yalls help. Ha.

 

[Adam]

Hey, and welcome. You'll probably get a lot of good advice from people here. I'll just throw in my two cents while I'm still up tonight.

I know I am getting the Onkyo 605....

A fine choice. I am jealous, but I might be getting a new Onkyo soon.

Is it better to keep all the same kind of speakers (i.e. Polk with Polk and Yamaha with Yamaha)?

I'd say yes. You want the speakers to have the same sonic qualities. Just matching the same brand doesn't guarantee that, so ask the salesperson about it (or ask people here). In terms of which speakers are best, that all comes down to which ones you like the best. Sure, people here can give you their opinions on which speakers are the best for the money, but not everyone agrees because not everyone has the same tastes.

Kind of a side note... What is some good, inexpensive speaker wire and what gauge will I need? AND is a line conditioner recommended? if so, what is an effective, inexpensive one?)

The recommended gauge depends on the distance of wire that you're going to use. I don't remember the guidelines off hand, but someone here probably does. Also, quality copper wire is quality copper wire...in other words, you don't need to buy any specific brand.

I haven't read any reviews that I believe in regards to line conditioners leading to any audio/video improvements. However, you almost surely will want to get a good surge protector. I have a Belkin PF31D that cost about $130. It has some line conditioning, but I bought it because it has surge protection, enough outlets for me, sits in my rack, and looks nice. There are cheaper products out there that should work great...I just mention the Belkin because I own it.

Have fun with your shopping!

 

[shockemags]

Thanks. Does any one have an info on how the different speakers compare to each other?

 

[mazersteven]

Thanks. Does any one have an info on how the different speakers compare to each other?

Speakers are so individual that what I like you may not, and vise versa. You really need to audition speakers and figure out what sounds good to you.

Since your in looking at tower speakers of a lower budget my I suggest these.

http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=105.1

with these bookshelf speakers

http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=82.1

I would be willing to bet that the sound quality of these speakers would surpass what your looking at.

Here is a pic of the MTM's

 

[shockemags]

Those speakers look amazing but are unfortunately out of my $$$ range.

I have found the Polk Audio R50 at Fry's for a great price. ($69.99 a piece).

As far as a center speaker, how do the Polk CSi3, Polk CSM, and Polk CSR compare?

Would it serve me better to add one of these subs (Polk PSW10 or PSW 303 ) or a pair of rear satellites (Polk R15 or Polk Monitor 30 )?

Thanks in advance.

 

[j_garcia]

Let me just tell you, those Polks aren't in the same league as the X-series speakers, and you can forget Polk's subs all together. The Monitor line is better than the R series, but I still think the X-series are money FAR better spent.

 

[jcPanny]

HT System

I would recommend spending more on the speakers than the receiver. HDMI 1.3 on the new Onkyo is a nice "feature" but it wont improve the sound quality of small satellite speakers. Also, if your budget will only allow $3-400 on speakers, consider starting with a quality 2.0 or 2.1 system vs. a cheap 5.1 or 7.1 system.

 

[Leprkon]

You might take a look at one of the mid-line Inifinity packages. Currently on sale for $399, it gives you your 5.1, but leaves you the option of tossing in a set of towers later.

http://www.onecall.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=34007

As far as wire gage, just use 14 gage wherever, unless your run is over 50 feet. You best value would be to wander down to Lowe's or Home Depot and find out where they keep the Malibu lights (deck lights). Somewhere in there will be 12 and 14 gage low voltage wire in 50 and 100 ft lengths, which works perfectly for speakers at a fifth the cost of Monster cable. The stuff is flexible and very well insulated.

 

[shockemags]

Thanks to everyone. Can any one tell me the pros/cons to the Onkyo 605 vs the 604 for my system. (HDTV, HD-DVD (HD-A2), A/V Receiver, 7.1 surround, PS2, XBOX, used for daily TV, movies, music, and occasional gaming?

 

[j_garcia]

The one reason to go with the 605 over the 604 because it has HDMI 1.3. Other than that, with you are covered already since the HD-A2 isn't HDMI 1.3. If you intend to get a PS3 or a newer player soon, then I would say 1.3 would be worth it; otherwise the 604 is fine.