Polk Monitor60 vs Monitor70 II?

I bought Monitor60's and a CS2 last year for my fronts. Right now my surround speakers are my old Onkyo speakers and I don't think they are really getting a lot of surround info coming to them. Tempted to get the 70's for the fronts and make my 60's my surround speakers (IF THAT WOULD MAKE A DIFFERENCE, and I'm unsure) but that sounds like complete overkill to me. Ideas? Opinions? Suggestions? Wouldn't I need a fairly high-end receiver to put out enough juice to enjoy those babies? Currently got an old Onkyo 5.2 receiver. I'm in an apartment and I watch movies and listen to music (50/50). Not much TV or games.

I do have a sub so that might settle that. I've never heard the 70's compared the 60's and wouldn't know where to go to hear the difference. My original thought was to put my surrounds on either side of my couch behind me. It wouldn't be blocked by furniture but it might not be in the ideal spot either. Apartment living ain't easy. ;-)

So you think the audio difference between the 60's and the 70 series II is probably not all that significant? If I'm going to shell out $325+ on a 'maybe' I'll skip it. If it's a world of difference, I'm willing.

I really appreciate all this feedback.

Here are the specs on my speakers (the surrounds) and I was thinking about using the Onkyo center speaker for the rear surround.

http://onkyousa.com/model.cfm?m=SKS-...ss=Speaker&p=s


Do you think the Polk 30's would sound much better?

Sorry for all the questions. I really am a noob here and I can read the numbers but I know that they don't always tell the whole story. Figured you guys would know from experience more than I would.

Hahaha. Well said. Seeing as the 30's are a chunk less change I might just go that route for now. Thank you!

I think you have the last part confused or perhaps you mistyped. From what I've been told with the 70's you get more on the bass end. They are recommending a good sub to go with the 60's to balance the fact that it doesn't produce as much on the lower end as the 70's.

Okay, I re-read it and I see how you meant it. Could have been read either way. Answer still sticks from the many times I've been told but as you can tell I'm no expert. Maybe someone can give you a more detailed answer.

I'm wondering if there is a <$300 receiver that will take my speakers to the next level.

Currently I have:

Onkyo TX-SR601
Polk Monitor60 - fronts
Polk CS2 - center
an Onkyo sub that works for my tiny place
Polk Monitor 30s - surround (coming soon on the above recommendations)

Now could I enjoy these speakers a whole lot more with a better receiver? If so, what are your recommendations?

Thanks Brandon but I was asking for a receiver recommendation that would help me get more out of these speakers. That appears to be a subwoofer.

Let's say less than $500USD but ideally under $300

This Onkyo isn't a used/refurb? Way cheaper than Amazon but I'm skeptical of the oufit. Have you used them? The savings make this receiver even more attractive.

I don't play my speakers super loud because I'm in an apartment. Will this unit give me better clarity and improve the quality of sound even if not at super high volumes? I don't need power if power means volume.

So Pioneer 1120 is better than the Onkyo and Yamaha? Sounds nice. The Onkyo would play loseless audio files off a computer network (I'm assuming FLAC files). Wonder if the Pioneer does that too. Sounds like a nice option.

I wanted to thank all of you. I got my Monitor 30's and they sound a helluva lot better than the old Onkyo surrounds. I was missing a lot of audio.

Just picked up a Yamaha RX-Z7 and have yet to plug it in. Hope that makes a difference too. We shall see.