[YoungClayB]

Hi Everyone,
I am about to build my first "real" Surround Sound system and I am looking for your feedback on the components I have picked out as well as the speaker configuration I should go with. I'll be using the system for a combination of TV, music, and movies...See my signature for my music preferences.

As for the components, here is what I am looking at:
Receiver
Onkyo TX-SR605
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-pWGTzF9...0&I=580TXS605S

Mains
Polk Audio Monitor 50
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-pWGTzF9...00&I=107MON50C

Center
Polk Audio CS1
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-pWGTzF9...2100&I=107CS1C

Sub-Woofer
Polk Audio PSW12
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-pWGTzF9...00&I=107PSW12C

Surround Speakers
Polk Audio RC60i
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-pWGTzF9...500&I=107RC60I

The room that I'll be using is my living room and my wife is not going to allow me to rearrange our furniture. I've already tried to convince her to let me put the TV in front of the window directly in front of the recliners, but she told me "No Way!"... So, I can accept the fact that I am not going to get "perfect" surround sound, but I am still hoping to get close.

Room Specs:
24 ft 6 in x 15 ft 6 in
8 foot ceilings (Smooth drywall)
hardwood floors w/ large area rug
4 windows w/ plantation blinds (no curtains)

For speaker placement, I have come up with 2 options, but I am open to other ideas as long as it doesnt involve moving any furniture.

I'd love to hear your thoughts.

-Clay

 

[Chipp]

Personally, I think option two would serve you better. Given that the F/C/R are in the same position anyways, I would do as you did in the second option and try to get the surround speakers as equidistant from possible listening positions as I could. In fact, I'd move the SL in the direction of the couch a little bit, and as much as possible try and get the SR closer to the window.

 

[heatmizer]

Upgrade the receiver to a Denon AVR-2307CI
Going off picture 2 Move SL to the right and SR to the left.
Move sub woofer down out of the dead corner even a little will help.
I do have some concerns of the angle of the tv and how close left and right are.
Any thoughts of mounting the plasma above fire place and remote the equipment into the corner. Will allow for a better sounding installation even though You would end up moving the 2 chairs.

 

[infinitesymphony]

I detect a very high WAF on that system. Those speakers aren't exactly hi-fi, but they will be timbre-matched and will look great.

Agreed with Chipp, if the TV must be in that corner, option two is much better. Just be sure to set the speaker distances on the receiver for proper delay compensation.

Just curious... How many movies have been released in 7.1 format, or even 6.1 format?

 

[heatmizer]

Pretty much only hddvd and bluray have 7.1

 

[spacemanspliff]

Polk? no. Is there a WAF here? 7.1 is a rarely used format. I would get a better quality 5.1 personally. Get some av123s for affordable, good looking speakers over Polk and I love the Panasonic XR-57. Just my suggestion.

 

[Ooztuncer]

here is my $0.02 if you didn't buy anything yet.

1) Audition 605 first > I know it has the most bells and whistles with hdmi 1.3, however I didn't like its sound against HK 247 or Yammy 661. Also, check the avsforum and read several concerns with 605's. Don't buy it before hearing/comparing them...

2) I had the 7.1 system until last week. Our room is smaller than yours BUT going from "TV at the corner, sb's at weird angles" to "TV at the center with only 5 speakers at correct angles " gave us a better soundstage & separation. My recommendation would be >> you don't need 7.1 system to get the best sound. Depending on your room, I would go with powerful 5.1 system for now...

3) Whatever you do, separate your main's from the center. Look at the HK 247 manual page 21 for reference (big file! - http://manuals.harman.com/HK/HOM/Owner's%20Manual/AVR247om.pdf)

Wifes are killing us!!!

 

[YoungClayB]

Ok, So you guys have convinced me to consider some different options. I think I have come up with a speaker configuration that will suit me too...I'll post a pic of the "new" proposed configuration as soon as I can.

As for the speakers, I am really considering the AV123 x-mtm tower's and x-cs center channel. For the sub, I am now looking at one of the Hsu subs. As for the surround speakers, I'm still going to put them in the ceiling, but I'm not totally sold on the polks.

Does anyone have any links to reviews of the AV123 x-mtm tower's? I've been on the other forums, but people seems to care more about how these things look than how they sound.

-Clay

 

[infinitesymphony]

Quote:

Originally Posted by YoungClayB /img/forum/go_quote.gif As for the speakers, I am really considering the AV123 x-mtm tower's and x-cs center channel. For the sub, I am now looking at one of the Hsu subs.

Those choices seem much more likely to satisfy. Here's a link to Jon L's thread about the new AV123 X-SLS and X-MTM speakers.

 

[YoungClayB]

Ok, as promised, here is the revised surround sound layout. Althought, I'm not sure it will matter for a while since I am spending all of my budget on my front 3 plus sub

I'll get by for a while and then I'll get 'em...no worries.

I pulled the trigger today on a pair of AV123 x-mtm towers and a x-cs center channel. I got the palisander natural satin finish. The guy from AV123 told me that there was about a 30 day wait before the speakers would be ready...glad I went ahead and placed my order for those. I'll post pics once they arrive.

As for the sub, here is what I am looking at: http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-1.html

Can I do any better for the same price on the sub?

 

[spacemanspliff]

New? Only the SVS PB10 comes to mind but the HSU is more musical while the SVS is more HT. Used? sure look on audiogon lol.

 

[YoungClayB]

After much deliberation and rationalization, here are the components I have actually ordered.

Receiver
Onkyo TX-SR605
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-HlfmE7i...0&I=580TXS605S

Mains
AV123 X-MTM Towers - Natural Satin Palisander Finish
http://www.av123.com/products_produc...&product=105.1

Center
AV123 X-CS - Natural Satin Palisander Finish
http://www.av123.com/products_produc...s&product=91.1

Sub-Woofer
Hsu VTF-1
http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/vtf-1.html

Surround Speakers
Polk Audio RC60i
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-PSGYIiD...500&I=107RC60I

You recommendations caused me to spend about $400 dollars more than I had originally planned, but I am confident that this marginal price difference will really make a difference in my overall enjoyment of my new system. Thanks to everyone for their comments. I'll post pics and impressions once all the goodies arrive.

 

[cadobhuk]

very interesting thread for a speaker noob like myself
Why did you choose polk audio for rears instead of x-ls at the same price point?

 

[infinitesymphony]

I'm guessing it's because the Polks are in-wall speakers and not bookshelves. Probably a space consideration.

 

[YoungClayB]

Quote:

Originally Posted by infinitesymphony /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'm guessing it's because the Polks are in-wall speakers and not bookshelves. Probably a space consideration.

Thats exactly right. I needed some low profile ceiling speakers to help the WAF.

I'm like a kid at Christmas time right now....I can not wait for all this stuff to come in