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Good speakers and Subwoofer to connect to Onkyo TX-NR809

post #1 of 30
2/7/13 at 3:11pm
Thread Starter 
I have ordered an Onkyo TX-NR809 receiver and trying to get the best set of speakers and subwoofer to connect to it. It will be used in my basement so I will need 7.1 setup. My budget for speaker and subwoofer together is approx $500-$600. Any good suggstions for the speakers and subwoofer to connect to the receiver to get the best performance?

I am new to home theatre and any advise will be very helpful.
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post #2 of 30
2/7/13 at 8:08pm
You're on the high side of avr cost to speakers. Your budget for speakers for a 7.1 setup is a bit, uh, optimistic. Even 5.1 that would be optimistic. How big is the room? Is this just for tv/movies? Music? You sure you can't spend more on speakers?
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post #3 of 30
2/7/13 at 9:49pm
Thread Starter 
After doing some research i figured i will have to spend some extra bucks and i am ok with that. So far i have liked the subwoofer and the center speaker as below:

Center - Polk audio CS10
Subwoofer - Polk audio PSW505

Does anyone sees any issues using the above with onkyo tx-nr809? What is a good option for the remaining 6 speakers, i would prefer floor standing for the front two speakers.
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post #4 of 30
2/7/13 at 9:53pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks for the reply lovinthehd, the room is really large, but the area where i will setup the home theater will be approx 15x15.

This is for movies, video, TV and music purposes. Will be connected to a HDTV 3D projector.
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post #5 of 30
2/7/13 at 9:55pm
Since you've got the CS-10 get some Polk towers up front.

Monitor 60's are on sale for $129 each
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882290206

Monitor 55T is on sale for $119 each
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882290270

60's would be the better speaker for $10 more.

Your Onkyo NR809 will have no problem with any of these speakers.
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post #6 of 30
2/7/13 at 9:58pm
Is your room even properly set up for a 7.1 system? 5.1 may be all you need.
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post #7 of 30
2/7/13 at 10:08pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks afrogt, i am setting it up for the first time so not even sure if my room is setup for 7.1, i can even start with 5.1 and then later expand it to 7.1

I am setting it up in a basement, how to determine whether i need 5.1 or 7.1 setup?

Also what are the recommendations for the remaining rear speakers?
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post #8 of 30
2/7/13 at 10:19pm
5.1 and 7.1 system setup

http://www.thx.com/consumer/home-entertainment/home-theater/surround-sound-speaker-set-up/
Quote:
Also what are the recommendations for the remaining rear speakers?

Polk bookshelf speakers will be just fine.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882290268
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post #9 of 30
2/8/13 at 12:46pm
Thread Starter 
I did further research and taken input from this forum and came up withthe below list. Would like to hear from experts on this forum if they see any issues with these.

My main purpose is to use these for Movies and Music, in a home theater setup. I do want very good quality sound.

Center: Polk Audio CS10 Center Channel Speaker (Single, Black) - Polk Audio
Front : Polk Audio TSi300 Floorstanding Speaker (Single, Black) - Polk Audio
Rear/ side : Polk Audio TSi100 Bookshelf Speakers (Pair, Black) - Polk Audio
Sub: Polk Audio PSW505 12-Inch Powered Subwoofer (Single, Black) - Polk Audio

Receiver: Onkyo TX-NR809 THX Certified 7.2-Channel Network A/V Receiver (Black) - Onkyo


The Onkyo 809 will power the speakers and subwoofers.

Please share your experience and advise if this is a good 5.1 setup. For now I will keep it 5.1 and then add the remaining two speakers in couple of months.
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post #10 of 30
2/8/13 at 1:54pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by sanm View Post

I did further research and taken input from this forum and came up withthe below list. Would like to hear from experts on this forum if they see any issues with these.

My main purpose is to use these for Movies and Music, in a home theater setup. I do want very good quality sound.

Center: Polk Audio CS10 Center Channel Speaker (Single, Black) - Polk Audio
Front : Polk Audio TSi300 Floorstanding Speaker (Single, Black) - Polk Audio
Rear/ side : Polk Audio TSi100 Bookshelf Speakers (Pair, Black) - Polk Audio
Sub: Polk Audio PSW505 12-Inch Powered Subwoofer (Single, Black) - Polk Audio

Receiver: Onkyo TX-NR809 THX Certified 7.2-Channel Network A/V Receiver (Black) - Onkyo


The Onkyo 809 will power the speakers and subwoofers.

Please share your experience and advise if this is a good 5.1 setup. For now I will keep it 5.1 and then add the remaining two speakers in couple of months.

That should be a good start. BTW that subwoofer is self-powered, your avr only feeds it a line-level input. Keep in mind that your speakers fill the whole open space, not just the area you mark off. Rather than another pair of speakers for rear surrounds, I'd say try a second subwoofer for better effect when you can put a few more bucks to speakers.
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post #11 of 30
2/11/13 at 1:54pm
Thread Starter 
Last weekend I went to Best Buy and listened to Polk Setup that I wanted to buy, however did not like it much. I did like the B&W speaker and sub sets but those are very expensive and out of budget. So I am back to square one and need advice on selecting the speakers and sub.

I have been reading lots of forums on this website and learnt that SVS Subwoofers are really nice. I am leaning towards the SVS PB1000 sub woofer. As far as speakers are concerned, I am not sure what to buy. Please give me some idea on what will sound good with the Onkyo AVR.

Please keep flowing your inputs and ideas, I think it will take some time for me to make the decision.
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post #12 of 30
2/11/13 at 6:24pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by sanm View Post

Last weekend I went to Best Buy and listened to Polk Setup that I wanted to buy, however did not like it much. I did like the B&W speaker and sub sets but those are very expensive and out of budget. So I am back to square one and need advice on selecting the speakers and sub.

I have been reading lots of forums on this website and learnt that SVS Subwoofers are really nice. I am leaning towards the SVS PB1000 sub woofer. As far as speakers are concerned, I am not sure what to buy. Please give me some idea on what will sound good with the Onkyo AVR.

Please keep flowing your inputs and ideas, I think it will take some time for me to make the decision.

What did you like about the B&W and dislike about the Polks? They'll likely both sound completely different in your own room as the room is a great influence on how it's going to sound in the end. You might also start with a 3.1 system and add surround speakers later. Internet direct speakers can offer great value, but of course is somewhat a gamble in that you'll have to wait until they arrive to listen to them (but many offer 30 day in home trials if you're willing to pickup the return shipping, some even both ways). Personally I like Ascend Acoustics; the 170SE for L/C/R wouldn't hurt the wallet too much but really for a room your size you should spend more and go for the 340SEs as they would fill the room much better. Internet direct subs are the only way to go IMHO unless you find a really good deal on the traditional distribution sub company offerings.
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post #13 of 30
2/11/13 at 7:17pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by lovinthehd View Post

What did you like about the B&W and dislike about the Polks? They'll likely both sound completely different in your own room as the room is a great influence on how it's going to sound in the end. You might also start with a 3.1 system and add surround speakers later. Internet direct speakers can offer great value, but of course is somewhat a gamble in that you'll have to wait until they arrive to listen to them (but many offer 30 day in home trials if you're willing to pickup the return shipping, some even both ways). Personally I like Ascend Acoustics; the 170SE for L/C/R wouldn't hurt the wallet too much but really for a room your size you should spend more and go for the 340SEs as they would fill the room much better. Internet direct subs are the only way to go IMHO unless you find a really good deal on the traditional distribution sub company offerings.

I do not understand the technical details, but the over all sound quality and clarity sounded better on B&W.

Today I also took the exact mssurement of the basement where I will be settting up the home theatre. The total basement size is : L - 36 ft, W - 16ft, H - 7.5ft. The area where I will be setting up the home theatre is : L - 16 ft, W - 15ft, H - 7.5ft. Not sure if the speakers should be considered keeping the entire basement area in mind or just the area where I am going to be setting up the home theatre. Any advice?

I will explore the Ascend Acoustics 340SE and 170SE both and see if I can try listening to these speakers. Is there any local store in the US where I can find these on display and try? or the only way is to order online listen and then if I do not want to keep return?

How is the SVS PB1000 for my setup? will this be a good choice for subwoofer?

Any other recommendations from any one on the forum on speakers and sub?
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post #14 of 30
2/11/13 at 9:29pm
Thread Starter 
How do Boston Acoustics A series sound? I see on Amazon the 5.0 setup is available for $1196. This package includes:

(2) A360GB Floorstanding Loudspeakers
(2) A26GB Bookshelf Speakers
(1) A225CGB 2-Way Center Channel Speaker

How will these speaker setup work wih SVS PB1000 subwoofer? Will this b good enoug for my home theatre?

I have not had a chance to listen to these, and do not find much reviews online. So any insight and information from the AVS forum members will be very helpful.
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post #15 of 30
2/11/13 at 9:30pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by sanm View Post

Quote:
Originally Posted by lovinthehd View Post

What did you like about the B&W and dislike about the Polks? They'll likely both sound completely different in your own room as the room is a great influence on how it's going to sound in the end. You might also start with a 3.1 system and add surround speakers later. Internet direct speakers can offer great value, but of course is somewhat a gamble in that you'll have to wait until they arrive to listen to them (but many offer 30 day in home trials if you're willing to pickup the return shipping, some even both ways). Personally I like Ascend Acoustics; the 170SE for L/C/R wouldn't hurt the wallet too much but really for a room your size you should spend more and go for the 340SEs as they would fill the room much better. Internet direct subs are the only way to go IMHO unless you find a really good deal on the traditional distribution sub company offerings.

I do not understand the technical details, but the over all sound quality and clarity sounded better on B&W.

Today I also took the exact mssurement of the basement where I will be settting up the home theatre. The total basement size is : L - 36 ft, W - 16ft, H - 7.5ft. The area where I will be setting up the home theatre is : L - 16 ft, W - 15ft, H - 7.5ft. Not sure if the speakers should be considered keeping the entire basement area in mind or just the area where I am going to be setting up the home theatre. Any advice?

I will explore the Ascend Acoustics 340SE and 170SE both and see if I can try listening to these speakers. Is there any local store in the US where I can find these on display and try? or the only way is to order online listen and then if I do not want to keep return?

How is the SVS PB1000 for my setup? will this be a good choice for subwoofer?

Any other recommendations from any one on the forum on speakers and sub?

The entire room plays a role. Same with say a living room open to the dining room and kitchen, or loft, etc. That's all one space as far as the speakers are concerned; in your case that's about 4300 cuft total, which is on the large side. You can somewhat use the speakers around and aimed at the listening position and adjust to an extent (depending on your gear), but the entire room still plays a huge role as far as sound pressure levels the speakers can obtain as well as the reflections of sound, room modes, etc. The materials in the walls and floors and ceiling play a role, too.

Both SVS and Ascend are internet only (except I think in Canada believe there is some SVS store availability, at least I think I've read such). Other internet brands are out there but somewhat depends on your budget as to whether they have anything for you to consider...
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post #16 of 30
2/11/13 at 9:34pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by lovinthehd View Post

The entire room plays a role. Same with say a living room open to the dining room and kitchen, or loft, etc. That's all one space as far as the speakers are concerned; in your case that's about 4300 cuft total, which is on the large side. You can somewhat use the speakers around and aimed at the listening position and adjust to an extent (depending on your gear), but the entire room still plays a huge role as far as sound pressure levels the speakers can obtain as well as the reflections of sound, room modes, etc. The materials in the walls and floors and ceiling play a role, too.

Both SVS and Ascend are internet only (except I think in Canada believe there is some SVS store availability, at least I think I've read such). Other internet brands are out there but somewhat depends on your budget as to whether they have anything for you to consider...

Thanks lovin, I checked the Ascend ones, they do not have the tall standing speakers for the front and I will need to buy stands seprately. I like tall standing speakers for the front, so an other recommendation?

What's your opinion on the Boston Acoustics A series? Are they good? Any other specific brand to cnsider?
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post #17 of 30
3/2/13 at 1:11pm
I am in the same position as the opening poster. I was planning to use my RT2250 speakers for now, but I discovered that the sub is passive, and it seems that the NR809 only feeds to powered subs.

I wonder if anyone has any experience with the Energy 5.1 speaker set? http://www.amazon.com/Energy-Classic-Theater-System-Black/dp/B001202C44/ref=pd_sim_e_70

I realize these aren't up to the power output of the NR809, but I don't need to make a loud system. Would it be a mistake to purchase 8 ohm 60 watt speakers for use with the NR809?

Thanks.
Clay
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post #18 of 30
3/2/13 at 3:43pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by sanm View Post

How do Boston Acoustics A series sound? I see on Amazon the 5.0 setup is available for $1196. This package includes:

(2) A360GB Floorstanding Loudspeakers
(2) A26GB Bookshelf Speakers
(1) A225CGB 2-Way Center Channel Speaker

How will these speaker setup work wih SVS PB1000 subwoofer? Will this b good enoug for my home theatre?

I have not had a chance to listen to these, and do not find much reviews online. So any insight and information from the AVS forum members will be very helpful.

Your budget sure changed from the original $500-$600. smile.gif

If you want to save a little money you might want to try this option.

2 A250 towers up front, $150 each
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/BOSA250GB/BOSTON-ACOUSTICS-A250-2-Way-Dual-5.25in-Floor-Standing-Speaker-EA-Black/1.html
2 A25 bookshelf as surrounds, $79 each
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/BOSA25GB/BOSTON-ACOUSTICS-A25-2-Way-5.25in-Bookshelf-Speaker-Each-Gloss-Black/1.html
1 A225 center, $150
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/BOSA225CGBA/BOSTON-ACOUSTICS-A225C-2-Way-Center-Channel-Speaker-Black/1.html

That's $610 plus shipping on the towers and bookshelf speakers.

The A series speakers have been well reviewed and recommended here on AVS. They should be a good setup for your needs.

If white towers with black grilles are okay with you then this might work too.

A360 towers, $199each
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/BOSA360WHA/BOSTON-ACOUSTICS-A360-3-Way-Dual-6.5in-Tower-Speaker-Each-White/1.html

A250 towers for surrounds, $99 each
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/BOSA250WHA/BOSTON-ACOUSTICS-A250-2-Way-Dual-5.25in-Floor-Standing-Speaker-EA-White/1.html

A225 center
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/BOSA225CGBA/BOSTON-ACOUSTICS-A225C-2-Way-Center-Channel-Speaker-Black/1.html

Or 4 A250 towers and the center would get you under $600.

Some other brands you may like are HTD Level Two speakers.
Level Two towers, $399 pair
http://www.htd.com/Products/level-two-speakers/Level-TWO-Tower-Speakers

Level Two bookshelf, $199 pair
http://www.htd.com/Products/level-two-speakers/Level-TWO-Bookshelf-Speakers

Level Two center, $129
http://www.htd.com/Products/level-two-speakers/Level-TWO-Center-Channel-Speaker

Total $729.
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post #19 of 30
3/2/13 at 3:51pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by lahatte View Post

I am in the same position as the opening poster. I was planning to use my RT2250 speakers for now, but I discovered that the sub is passive, and it seems that the NR809 only feeds to powered subs.

I wonder if anyone has any experience with the Energy 5.1 speaker set? http://www.amazon.com/Energy-Classic-Theater-System-Black/dp/B001202C44/ref=pd_sim_e_70

I realize these aren't up to the power output of the NR809, but I don't need to make a loud system. Would it be a mistake to purchase 8 ohm 60 watt speakers for use with the NR809?

Thanks.
Clay

I'd only recommend the Take Classic for a small room. Those are little satellite speakers and can't fill a room like a bookshelf or tower speaker.

How big is the room? What's your budget?

If you can handle larger bookshelf speakers I'd recommend the Pioneer BS22 which is on sale for $69/pr. This is a short sale so jump on it while the price is at an all time low.
http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-SP-BS22-LR-Designed-Bookshelf-Loudspeakers/dp/B008NCD2LG/ref=pd_sim_e_6

get 2 pair of those and the matching C22 center
http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-SP-C22-Designed-Channel-Speaker/dp/B008NCD2EI/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1362268196&sr=1-1&keywords=pioneer+c22

That's $240 for 5 speakers and then spend whatever you need on a subwoofer. This system would blow away the Take Classics.
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post #20 of 30
3/2/13 at 4:24pm
Hi.

I did look at those, and also saw a CNet review giving them high marks. Of course, that was when using the towers, I'm sure. However, they are pretty large. I also wasn't sure if that was for a pair, and whether their bookshelf speakers would be designed for the front channels.

My room is about 13' wide x 24' long. My RCA rt2250 system has been doing well for the room.

I ordered just a while ago the Energy system for $319. Maybe I'll cancel that for now.

Thanks for the advice.
Clay
Edited by lahatte - 3/2/13 at 4:31pm
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post #21 of 30
3/2/13 at 4:46pm
If you haven't purchased a sub already... http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?SID=IOjoyoOaEeKWEIqOGUSK0g-lK1_Si.S3_0_0_0&AID=10440897&PID=1225267&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-cables-_-na-_-na&Item=N82E16882290130&cm_sp=

I have no experience with this sub though.

Check out with V.me (like paypal) to save another 10%. I don't think you could do much better for $170.
I could be wrong though, since I haven't researched subs since I bought my SVS.
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post #22 of 30
3/2/13 at 4:55pm
Thanks for that info. I am a little uncertain, however, about buying many different brands of speakers. I am hoping that a 'set' of speaker would have been designed to work together. I also wonder if this might be too much to be a companion to 80 or 90 watt speakers.
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post #23 of 30
3/2/13 at 4:58pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by lahatte View Post

Hi.

I did look at those, and also saw a CNet review giving them high marks. Of course, that was when using the towers, I'm sure. However, they are pretty large. I also wasn't sure if that was for a pair, and whether their bookshelf speakers would be designed for the front channels.

My room is about 13' wide x 24' long. My RCA rt2250 system has been doing well for the room.

I ordered just a while ago the Energy system for $319. Maybe I'll cancel that for now.

Thanks for the advice.
Clay

They BS22 would make for great front speakers, much better than the little Take Classics.

the BS22 are only sold as a pair so the price is $69/pr.

I would never put Take Classics in a 13 x 24 room but if you were happy with the RCA speakers then maybe you'll be fine with the Takes. I'd still get the Pioneers though. They're much better speakers.
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post #24 of 30
3/2/13 at 5:09pm
Ok. What do you think about a sub? I'm afraid a 300 watt sub might be too much. However, the Pioneer 100W sub that completes their system is, I assume, designed to work with the fuller range tower speakers as the front Left and Right. So it might not be quite enough for the bookshelf speakers as fronts.

Thoughts?

Thanks.
Clay
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post #25 of 30
3/2/13 at 5:32pm
You can turn down the volume on the subwoofer, that's easy. The Pioneer 8" sub is too small for that room but it is designed to work with bookshelf or tower speakers. It doesn't play very low though.

Here, read this review. This is for the BS-21, the previous model which the BS-22 replaced. it uses the same 8" sub. the BS-22 are an upgrade over the BS-21.
http://reviews.cnet.com/2300-6449_7-10008404.html
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post #26 of 30
3/2/13 at 5:34pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by lahatte View Post

Thanks for that info. I am a little uncertain, however, about buying many different brands of speakers. I am hoping that a 'set' of speaker would have been designed to work together. I also wonder if this might be too much to be a companion to 80 or 90 watt speakers.

Subwoofers don't need to be the same brand as the other speakers. In fact the better subs are from dedicated subwoofer manufacturers but out of your price range.
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post #27 of 30
3/2/13 at 5:52pm
Thanks. Yes, I saw the BS22 review. This review shows four bookshelf speakers, so that's good to see.

I'll likely try the Pioneers. Still undecided on the sub though.

I can say, however, that the RCA system I have now has a 100 watt passive sub, and I find it to be very satisfactory. It sounds smooth and strong with the 5.1 movies. It could be my lack of experience with other systems though.

Thanks.
Clay
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post #28 of 30
3/2/13 at 5:56pm
How about this? I can get the Pioneer sub at 100 watts. Since the NR809 has two sub outs, if I find it isn't enough, I can add another one.
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post #29 of 30
3/2/13 at 5:57pm
Do whatever works best for your needs.
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post #30 of 30
3/2/13 at 8:34pm
Thanks very much for the input on this.

Clay
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