[fancyaudio]

Hi all,


I have a Sony HT-CT150 soundbar that does 3.1 from about 7 years back that has the perfect amount of inputs for my needs, HDMI passthrough, communicates with my TV via ARC, auto-switches audio streams automatically, etc...


I just bought a pair of Polk LSiM 703's and a LSiM 704 center. I cut off the proprietary Sony ends from the speaker cables and wired them up with the new Polks and everything works. I get to use the Sony subwoofer as a bonus.



My question is, what am I missing by not using a dedicated receiver or amp? Am I losing out on sound quality? Volume? Something else?



I'm absolutely trying to go the "cheap route" here before investing in a "super AVR".

 

[eriksells916]

@fancyaudio you got some pretty nice speakers not to have a receiver drive them to deafening levels. LOL. Not sure what your needs are, but get a nice sub and good receiver and welcome to the rabbit hole!

good budget sub https://www.amazon.com/Bic-Acoustech-PL-200-II-Subwoofer/dp/B074131NKS/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=bic+pl200+ii&qid=1565906149&s=gateway&sr=8-1

7 channel receivers to preview https://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/category/avreceiver/home-audio/receivers-amps/home-theater-receivers/1.html?number_channels[]=7

 

[Leeliemix]

You probably dont get the right volume for each speaker.
The sony might have a lot of EQ that suits the soundbar but not speakers.
The crossover is probably set way too high compared to what suits your speakers.
I have yet to see a soundbar «subwoofer» that goes much deeper than capable 6 and a 1/2inch bookshelf speakers, let alone towers, and whats there is usually one note from the port.
The room correction thats in most recievers nowdays can be a big help in many rooms. (And if not its easy to turn off)

You will gain a lot by getting a real reciever and an actual subwoofer even if you go fairly low cost.
That said you do have sound and enjoy it, so no big rush.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[fancyaudio]

you got some pretty nice speakers not to have a receiver drive them to deafening levels. LOL. Not sure what your needs are, but get a nice sub and good receiver and welcome to the rabbit hole!

Thank you for the suggestions! That was also my first post - thanks for noticing . The sub you linked to seems to have rave reviews on Amazon, and according to the dimensions it's not too large. Regarding the receiver, I only have 3.1 and I am 100% sure I will never have more than 5.1 in this room. Is there any benefit to a 7.1 vs. a 5.1 receiver?

You probably dont get the right volume for each speaker.
The sony might have a lot of EQ that suits the soundbar but not speakers.
The crossover is probably set way too high compared to what suits your speakers.
I have yet to see a soundbar «subwoofer» that goes much deeper than capable 6 and a 1/2inch bookshelf speakers, let alone towers, and whats there is usually one note from the port.
The room correction thats in most recievers nowdays can be a big help in many rooms. (And if not its easy to turn off)

You will gain a lot by getting a real reciever and an actual subwoofer even if you go fairly low cost.
That said you do have sound and enjoy it, so no big rush.

I think you're right about the bass - it sounds boomy and there is no way to turn off the soundbar woofer, only turn it down. I still get bass from the bookshelf speakers and it's difficult to tell where it's really coming from. I have to play around with it.


I have lots of research to do!