[Vincenzo88]

I am soon to be moving and will finally have a place where I put a quality system. I have been reading a lot on these forums and I think I have a decent idea of what I want.


I hope to have a dual purpose system but I care more about the experience and quality when it comes to music. I do not have exact dimensions but the room is on the small side of medium. I am no audiophile but I know and can appreciate quality builds/sound. My budget is $1000.


My current plan:

Receiver: Onkyo NR509

Mains: Monitor 70 Series II

Center: CS2 Series II

Rears: Monitor 30 Series II


Newegg total: $925 shipped.


Unfortunately, I am not in a position to demo units so I am going to rely on the advice and feedback I get in these forums. I hope to hear that you think I will be happy with the system but any further advice is appreciated!

 

[Pelly_NV]

Have you considered focusing on going with a 3-channel setup first? For a music focus, the surround channels aren't a major concern and just burn into you budget. IMO, I'd aim for the best L/C/R setup you can get for your budget and add items down the road.

 

[bearchan]

^^^^

+

Or 2.0/2.1.

 

[Vincenzo88]

Thanks for the responses, I have considered starting with 2.0/2.1 and upgrading from there. I guess my big concern would be reaching the goal of a dual purpose (music, video) system without going too crazy with the overall cost. From what I have read so far, most people seem to agree that the Monitor 70s offer good bang-for-your-buck value. I feel at this point that I would definitely be comfortable with the cost of the 70s ($179 ea) and I may even just start with a 2.0 with the 70s.

 

[skidawgz]

I do really like the Monitor 70s however you are missing a subwoofer. I feel subs are so very important for home theater.


If you have no problem with expanding later... Id get a nicer set of polks with a good sub.


edit: I am suggesting a 2.1 setup.

 

[hifi999]

Hi Vincenzo88,


i am into music too.you may like Jamo c607 with c-60 center/surrounds.

its great for music with/without sub.


i am having c607 5.1 system.simply great.

just my comment.

 

[Vincenzo88]

Thanks for the advice. If I do end up going with the Polk 70s would the 10" sub be enough or is the 12" really worth the extra money ($99 vs $249)?


What I have read about the Jamo C607 speakers sounds good but they are a lot more money. I am worried that I would need an expensive amp to really hear the Jamo speakers. Should I be looking more into amps regardless of what speaker I choose?


Will these sound bad in a smaller room?

 

[skidawgz]

I have not heard Jamo so I cannot answer questions about how they sound. However you do not need an expensive amp just because a speaker is large/expensive. Receivers are purchased based on what features you need out of it. Speakers will work at any volume, some better than others.

 

[Secret Squirrel]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vincenzo88 Thanks for the advice. If I do end up going with the Polk 70s would the 10" sub be enough or is the 12" really worth the extra money ($99 vs $249)? What I have read about the Jamo C607 speakers sounds good but they are a lot more money. I am worried that I would need an expensive amp to really hear the Jamo speakers. Should I be looking more into amps regardless of what speaker I choose? Will these sound bad in a smaller room?

Polk makes some very nice speakers. The one thing they don't do so well is make subwoofers. I would stay away from Polk subwoofers. Since you asked about a 10'' vs a 12'' I would recommend a 12'' sub if you can afford it. The Bic F12 is very affordable. They can often be purchased on Amazon for around $200. Bic also makes some other very affordable subs besides the F12.

 

[Kini62]

HSU http://hsuresearch.com/products/hb-1.html $149 + $23 shipping = 172*2 = $344


and http://hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-1.html $399 + $45 shipping = $444


$708 for speakers and a good sub-

add your 509 AVR you might be a little over budget but you'd have a much better system to build off of.


I run a 2.1 currently and it's fine for movies for now. Eventually I'll be adding a center and surrounds but you'd be surprised at how good a 2.1 can sound.


Gene

 

[Secret Squirrel]

A good 2.1 or 3.1 system is better than a weak 5.1 system. A good 2.1 or 3.1 system in a small room is great for music and movies.

 

[Vincenzo88]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kini62 HSU http://hsuresearch.com/products/hb-1.html $149 + $23 shipping = 172*2 = $344 and http://hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-1.html $399 + $45 shipping = $444 $708 for speakers and a good sub- add your 509 AVR you might be a little over budget but you'd have a much better system to build off of. I run a 2.1 currently and it's fine for movies for now. Eventually I'll be adding a center and surrounds but you'd be surprised at how good a 2.1 can sound. Gene

This is probably a naive assumption but I cannot help but wonder if I am sacrificing imaging and sound stage for a more compact size? The speakers are actually cheaper than the Polk 70s.


Also, I have heard that the horns are not as smooth as a good silk tweeter. Loudness is not important to me.


What would you pair the HSU speakers with to get to 5.1?

 

[schan1269]

Speakers are a matter of personal taste. Are the Polk M70 a good speaker? Yes, for their price.


I'd rather have these, with a subwoofer...

http://www.amazon.com/Mordaunt-Short...2853754&sr=8-1 (is avail in black)
http://www.amazon.com/Mordaunt-Short...pd_sim_sbs_e_3
http://www.amazon.com/Mordaunt-Carni...2853821&sr=1-1 (I'd look for a used one, the center being $200 sucks...but it is a good one)

 

[Kini62]



Quote:
Originally Posted by Vincenzo88 /forum/post/20800149


This is probably a naive assumption but I cannot help but wonder if I am sacrificing imaging and sound stage for a more compact size? The speakers are actually cheaper than the Polk 70s.


Also, I have heard that the horns are not as smooth as a good silk tweeter. Loudness is not important to me.


What would you pair the HSU speakers with to get to 5.1?

The reviews on them are very good. A search of the forums show that owners are very satisfied as well. I don't currently have them but they will likely be my choice for a new HT I am building in a new house.


As for surrounds I'm just going to use some easily wall mountable speakers like these http://www.crutchfield.com/p_773EVO4...search=tangent


I don't think the surrounds need to match the fronts for movies or gaming. I don't care for 5.1 music. Of course everyone is different.


Gene

 

[callas01]

Id like to suggest that you look at the Wharfedale Evo 2-30 from www.musicdirect.com and then go look at the marantz 5005 or onkyo 708 from www.accessories4less.com


Start off with a good musical 2.0 system and receiver and build slowly. I'd also suggest getting the matching center channel ASAP

 

[Vincenzo88]

Thanks for great responses guys, I really appreciate the input.


The more I read about the HSU HB-1 MKII the more I think that I would like them. I am really leaning towards them right now.


Is it worth it to go all out with a 5.1 HSU package? I really only care about high quality when it comes to music. I understand that a well matched center is probably worth it but the three additional HSU speakers would put me up another $500 (unless I saved $50 with a package deal).


I am thinking now of taking Gene's advice and going with the 2.1 HSU to start:

HSU HB-1 MKII ($149 ea)

HSU VTF-1 ($399)

Still the Onkyo NR509


Later upgrade with more HSU??

 

[Vincenzo88]

Just bought the HSU HB-1 MKIIs and the VTF-1. Really excited!

Thanks again for all the tips!

 

[psgcdn]

Be sure to report back how you like them!

 

[Kini62]



Quote:
Originally Posted by psgcdn /forum/post/20804705


Be sure to report back how you like them!

Ditto! I'm all ears on this one.

Gene

 

[Elihawk]

I don't put much stock in user reviews...they tend to be very positive, even for crappy products. Now, if the reviews are decidely negative, then...