[gary_now]

Audio Newbie here.


I currently have Cambridge M50 fronts with Definitive Techs Pro-Cinema 100 sides, rears and center. I have a Def Tech Powerfield 12 subwoofer. I will shortly be upgrading to the new Onkyo 875 receiver.


I saw that the Polk R50s are currently discontinued and can be had quite cheaply. Is it worth it to buy, say, six of these and replace my current speakers, go with all Cambridge M50s, keep what I have or go in another direction.


I mostly listen to movies (40%), broadcast (40%) and music (20%).


Since I will be spending about $1,500 on the receiver and I just got a new 65 Mitsubishi diamond vision monitor and a PS3 (blu-ray), I am somewhat financially limited. Let's try to keep our options at around $750.


I don't think I've violated any forum rules, if I have, I apologize. I don't post that often.

 

[ericgl]

With a total of 2250 to spend on receiver/speakers I suggest you limit your receiver to $750, perhaps less for best sound.

 

[gary_now]



Quote:
Originally Posted by ericgl /forum/post/0


With a total of 2250 to spend on receiver/speakers I suggest you limit your receiver to $750, perhaps less for best sound.

Well, I have speakers, I would like to upgrade the receiver for the expanded video options that I currently do not have. That is why one of my options is to just "stay put" for right now and upgrade speakers later. But, ultimately, I don't know that I would ever spend $500 per speaker.

 

[EnzoPolotso]

What video options are you looking for?

Even for HDMI switching and HDMI 1.3 (soon) you don't need to spend that much, especially if there's going to be such an inconsistency with the price of the speakers. Put your receiver budget below $1000. You won't miss that extra $500-700 in a receiver.

 

[gary_now]



Quote:
Originally Posted by EnzoPolotso /forum/post/0


What video options are you looking for?

Even for HDMI switching and HDMI 1.3 (soon) you don't need to spend that much, especially if there's going to be such an inconsistency with the price of the speakers. Put your receiver budget below $1000. You won't miss that extra $500-700 in a receiver.

I know this isn't really the place for receiver talk, but I suppose I could go with the 805's, but then I'd lose the Reon processing.


I'm leaning toward buying the Polk R50's all the way around (6 speakers), keeping my Def Tech center and sub. The sub is a decent 12". The center probably also needs replaced.

 

[ericgl]

Why do you believe you need video processing?

 

[gary_now]



Quote:
Originally Posted by ericgl /forum/post/0


Why do you believe you need video processing?

I will have other video sourced hooked up, not just the PS3.


I guess, your thought would be to go with the Onkyo 805s, save $600, and put that towards the speakers. I'm not sure that I will realize the incremental improvements with this additional expenditures in my speakers. Educate me.

 

[ericgl]

Often the scaling in your display is as good or better than in receivers. Although I have no specific information on the Onkyo or Mitsu, it is something I suggest you investigate.


WRT sound quality your speakers and room will have the most effect on what you will hear. I don't see the Polks as a big upgrade over the M 50s as they are both entry level and you may well prefer the Cambridges.


Your budget would allow for a nice upgrade to your system, I suggest you get out and listen to some speakers and investigate your needs.

 

[gary_now]

Thanks for the feedback. I would like to upgrade my Def Tech surrounds, and I can more cheaply put Polk all the way around right now. The Cambridge M50s are nice, but it would be more expensive to add more of these since I would also have to buy stands. I would like to have a matched set all the way around (except for the sub and center).

 

[ericgl]

Please give them a good listen before you decide, good luck!

 

[EnzoPolotso]

You would notice a much bigger difference if you spend $600 more on speakers compared to $600 more on the reciever. I have a Pioneer Elite 81 ($630) and other sources besides HDMI hooked up to the tv. Old video game systems that only have composite video connections, for example, and it's fine. Save the money on the reciever, and if in the future you REALLY think you need a whole lot better, put the money towards a high quality external scaler.

 

[skibum5000]



Quote:
Originally Posted by gary_now /forum/post/0


Audio Newbie here.


I currently have Cambridge M50 fronts with Definitive Techs Pro-Cinema 100 sides, rears and center. I have a Def Tech Powerfield 12 subwoofer. I will shortly be upgrading to the new Onkyo 875 receiver.


I saw that the Polk R50s are currently discontinued and can be had quite cheaply. Is it worth it to buy, say, six of these and replace my current speakers, go with all Cambridge M50s, keep what I have or go in another direction.


I mostly listen to movies (40%), broadcast (40%) and music (20%).


Since I will be spending about $1,500 on the receiver and I just got a new 65 Mitsubishi diamond vision monitor and a PS3 (blu-ray), I am somewhat financially limited. Let's try to keep our options at around $750.


I don't think I've violated any forum rules, if I have, I apologize. I don't post that often.

why get such a pricey receiver? i would spend 2x (or more) on the speakers than the receiver rather than the other way around.

 

[nerdyone]

Why upgrade the surrounds? The Pro Monitor 100's are very good speakers and I don't think you would hear much of a difference with out spending a significant amount of money.


Spend your money on a better center and fronts. Then what ever is left over, spend on the receiver. Your prosub 12" is a great sub and not worth replacing.

 

[sethhobrin]

i recommend the denon 2807 for the reciever. it does pcm and has all the hdmi switching you need for your ps3 and nother device. superb reciever for 900 shipped from jr.com and *******cell.com both authorized denon resellers so the warranty is valid.


you must CALL to get that price and tell them you were referred buy another customer and they will make the adjustment.