Receiver HELP

[khouska]

This is my first post and the first time I've asked anyone about this sort of thing.
I have been out of the home theatre and audio stuff for about 10 years and am getting back in with better conponents. I have bought recently Polk RTiA3 for fronts, FXiA6 rears, CSiA6 center and a DSW PRO55wi sub. I also have a Pioneer Elite PRO507 TV.

I have (in the past) always had Pioneer Elite electronics. It's all old now though which is why I need a ew receiver. While I like as an example the Denon 3312 to save some money, I really want the Elite SC-57. The easy differences I'm aware of are the 140 to 125 watts and price. Can someone help me with after that? Is the 57 worth the extra $1,000.00? And why?

Thanks,

Kevin

 

[zieglj01]

Welcome to the forum.

Even the Denon is over doing it for the Polk speakers - something like
the Elite VSX - 50 is plenty for them. Most of us will put more money
towards better speakers, than spending heavy on a receiver. The
subwoofer, will not need the amp power from the receiver

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PUSA/Home/AV-Receivers/Elite+Receivers/VSX-50

Even this Yamaha, will drive the Polks.
http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-RX-A800-7-1-Channel-Audio-Receiver/dp/B003XDU498/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1322248006&sr=8-1

Also, this Marantz
http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/sr5005.html

 

[khouska]

If you kept with Polk, what speakes best fit the 57 in your opinion?

Thanks,

Kevin

 

[zieglj01]

If you kept with Polk, what speakes best fit the 57 in your opinion?

I would use the SC-57 to drive something like, the Boston VS
Vanns.com Search : boston vs

 

[khouska]

As I asked you what Polks you would use and you answered this way, I guess I get that there are no good Polks??
Thanks,

Kevin

 

[Adam]

As I asked you what Polks you would use and you answered this way, I guess I get that there are no good Polks??
Thanks,

Kevin

"Good" is subjective. Some people really like Polks, and some people don't. That's often based on which Polks they've heard - as all Polks aren't alike. I really liked the ones that I heard about 14 years ago, until I auditioned the NHTs that I ended up buying. After that, the Polks sounded a bit "muddy" with an accentuated midrange. That was 14 years ago and a certain model of Polks, mind you. Had I not heard my NHTs, I probably would have bought the Polks and been happy.

So, my recommendation is to go audition speakers if you have a chance. Also, there are reputable online dealers that will let you return items, sometimes with a small restocking fee, and that lets you audition the speakers in your own living space - which is better than listening to them in someone's store.

 

[zieglj01]

As I asked you what Polks you would use and you answered this way, I guess I get that there are no good Polks??
Thanks,

Kevin

OK, I mis-read your question - the only Polks that draw my attention,
would be the LSi series.
Polk Audio - LSi Series Loudspeakers
http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/lsi/#lsic
http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/lsi/#lsifx

I have owned the RTi on down - and I find them lacking in midrange
detail, and good seperation - with the tweeters being somewhat sharp
and edgy sounding. The LSi is said to be smoother, with a better mid
range.
However, Stereophile was not overall impressed with them - they did
not measure as well, as some other speakers.

I also, prefer NHT over Polk

If you like the Polk - then stick with them - in the end, that is what matters.