Some good Surround speakers for my current speaker configuration

[cap2587]

I recently purchased the Onkyo TX- SR608 Receiver and the Polk RM95 speakers. I am looking to add two more speakers to my current configuration to increase it to 7.1 Channels.

I am looking at the Polk Monitor 30 Bookshelf speakers. A guy at Polk said to purchase another two RM 8 Surround speakers to match up with the current speakers I have. The problem with the RM8's is that they are very expensive and very hard to buy just two. I am looking to spend around $100 for the two side surround speakers. Anyone have any suggestions or points on the above information. Thanks and exciting to just join the Audioholics forum.

 

[AVRat]

My first concern is the design of the RM8 being used as a main speaker doesn't seem right. It seems more appropriate for a surround. I'd use the Monitor 30 for the L/Rs instead.

 

[cap2587]

Thanks for your quick helpful reply. I currently have the Polk RM95 speaker set up.

The main speaker is an RM 8 Center speaker and then I have 2 front RM 8 speakers and 2 Surround RM 8 speakers. I am looking for two more smaller speakers to go at ear level on either side of where I am sitting to complete the 7.1 channel set up. I think these are called Surround side. Should I try and find 2 more RM surround speakers or would the Monitor 30 Polk speakers work good. Appreciate anyone's advice.

 

[cap2587]

What about the NHT SuperZero 2.0 2-way Bookshelf Speakers?

or the Energy CB-5 Bookshelf Speaker Pair

 

[zieglj01]

What about the NHT SuperZero 2.0 2-way Bookshelf Speakers?

or the Energy CB-5 Bookshelf Speaker Pair

The NHT will sound better than the Polk - and are $99 each.
They are a fun little speaker.

 

[cap2587]

I am narrowing it down to the NHT SuperZero 2.0 2-way Bookshelf Speakers or the Polk Monitor 30 speakers. The price is $200 for two NHT SuperZero and $89 (this weekend sale) for the Polk Monitor 30. Is there any advantage to staying with Polk considering my current system is Polk speakers.

zieglj01 - In what way would the NHT be better sound than the Polk Monitor 30? Is there something in the specs of the two speakers or just a personal preference.

I would appreciate anyone else giving me their thoughts on the two speakers above or any other you would recommend. I don't mind paying the $200, but only if there is a noticeable sound difference. Thanks.

 

[markw]

Traditionally, the last two "real" channels in a 7.1 system are supposed to be rear surrounds which are mounted on the rear wall behind the listener, not on a side wall.

The two side-wall mounted surround speakers are the previous two "real" channels (channels 4 and 5) and are more critical for the surround experience than the rears (channels 6 and 7).

 

[zieglj01]

zieglj01 - In what way would the NHT be better sound than the Polk Monitor 30? Is there something in the specs of the two speakers or just a personal preference.

If you don't want to build around NHT, then buy the Polk

With either one of those speakers - I would use them up front.
I have owned them both. From 100 hz up, the NHT has better
resolution and sounds more realistic. The Polk sounds more
vague, and lacks in resolution. The Polk will have more bass.

 

[cap2587]

Thanks for the good information! I don't think I can build around the NHT speakers as I already have 5 speakers that are Polk. I like the reviews for the Polk Monitor 30 and I think I will go with them. My next questions is why do you think the Monitor 30 speakers will work better at the front. Basically I will have two Monitor 30 speakers, and 4 RM 8 speakers to allocate to the Surround and front. What is the ideal positioning for the 4 rear surround speakers in a 7.1 channel. I read that you should place 2 speakers at around ear level when your standing behind the listener. The two side surround speakers should be at equal distance to the listener and at ear level when seated. I am learning and trying to read up on all the specifics that go into a good Home Theater set up, but have along way to go before I can consider myself knowledgeable in this area. Any suggestions are very much appreciated. If there is any other speakers that you think would be comparable in price to the Monitor 30's, but even better let me know. Thanks.

 

[cap2587]

I should have mentioned that I have a Sony - SA-W2500 Powered Sub Woofer in my current configuration. Not sure if this would factor into my decision on the two extra surround speakers.

 

[zieglj01]

I should have mentioned that I have a Sony - SA-W2500 Powered Sub Woofer in my current configuration. Not sure if this would factor into my decision on the two extra surround speakers.

Use this as a guide
http://www.dolby.com/consumer/setup/speaker-setup-guide/index.html

 

[AVRat]

My next questions is why do you think the Monitor 30 speakers will work better at the front.

Because the sound from the fronts should be firing toward the listening position, whereas the RM8s' design seem to provide a diffuse sound more appropriate for the surrounds.

 

[cap2587]

That makes sense. Would anyone recommend another set of 2 surround/front speaker that may give better performance than the Polk Monitor 30 for 100-$200. Thanks.

 

[cap2587]

I went ahead and bought the Polk Monitor 30 speakers. I was very surprised at how large these speakers are and probably should have looked closer at the dimensions. The Energy CB-5 Bookshelf Speaker w/ 4.5in Woofer are on sale at the moment for $75 each. How much smaller are these speakers than the Polk Monitor 30's. Am I going to lose out due to the rest of my speakers being polk and going with a different brand for Bookshelf speakers. What will give me better sound the Energy CB-5 Bookshelf Speaker w/ 4.5in Woofer or the Polk Monitor 30's. They both have nice reviews. I was going to put the Polk Monitor 30's as the front speakers, but they are gigantic. I wold appreciate some more feedback and thanks for the help.