So bought polk R50's today :)

[alfa147x]

So I now have:
Onkyo TX-SR606
FL/FR are Polk R50's
RL/RR as well as the center are from a panasonic SC-MT1
Subwoofer is a Yamaha YST-SW21

What should be next to go?
Center or surrounds or sub ?

http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/3176/img8149hi1.jpg
(I know, I know its a horrible picture)

Im sorry i just had a long day and didnt want to clean just for a few pictures;
http://inkedpaper.com/images/1.jpg
http://inkedpaper.com/images/2.jpg
http://inkedpaper.com/images/3.jpg
http://inkedpaper.com/images/4.jpg



Thanks,
Alfa


Update:
PROBLEM: My mom hates the look of the R50's, enough that she wants them out
but she does like the cherry RTi8
would the switch be a downgrade ?

 

[alfa147x]

Oh I should add, I LOVE MY R50's!!!!

 

[Rio Rebel]

The surrounds should be last. Normally, I'd say you should change the center next to match the Polks, but I'm not familiar with that sub and I suspect it's not very strong (Yamaha is not known for good subs). So to me, it's a toss-up between the sub and the center. A better sub will really bring out the bass - both rumbling and subtle - that will add to the home theater experience. A matching center will give you a more consistent tonal match across the front three speakers, and since the center carries the bulk of the load of the dialogue, it should make a noticeable difference.

 

[PurdueRy]

I would stop using your center and invest in a very good sub. Keep using the old speakers as surrounds.

 

[alfa147x]

Originally posted by: PurdueRy
I would stop using your center and invest in a very good sub. Keep using the old speakers as surrounds.

Originally posted by: Rio Rebel
The surrounds should be last. Normally, I'd say you should change the center next to match the Polks, but I'm not familiar with that sub and I suspect it's not very strong (Yamaha is not known for good subs). So to me, it's a toss-up between the sub and the center. A better sub will really bring out the bass - both rumbling and subtle - that will add to the home theater experience. A matching center will give you a more consistent tonal match across the front three speakers, and since the center carries the bulk of the load of the dialogue, it should make a noticeable difference.

 

[3chordcharlie]

Originally posted by: alfa147x

Originally posted by: PurdueRy
I would stop using your center and invest in a very good sub. Keep using the old speakers as surrounds.

Originally posted by: Rio Rebel
The surrounds should be last. Normally, I'd say you should change the center next to match the Polks, but I'm not familiar with that sub and I suspect it's not very strong (Yamaha is not known for good subs). So to me, it's a toss-up between the sub and the center. A better sub will really bring out the bass - both rumbling and subtle - that will add to the home theater experience. A matching center will give you a more consistent tonal match across the front three speakers, and since the center carries the bulk of the load of the dialogue, it should make a noticeable difference.

Your center channel will be sent to the FR and FL speakers once you disconnect (and possibly have to 'tell' the receiver it's gone) the center.

I do somewhat disagree with the other posters in that I would get the center first and replace the sub later, but either way you should stop using the HTIB center speaker you have immediately.

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: 3chordcharlie

Originally posted by: alfa147x

Originally posted by: PurdueRy
I would stop using your center and invest in a very good sub. Keep using the old speakers as surrounds.

Originally posted by: Rio Rebel
The surrounds should be last. Normally, I'd say you should change the center next to match the Polks, but I'm not familiar with that sub and I suspect it's not very strong (Yamaha is not known for good subs). So to me, it's a toss-up between the sub and the center. A better sub will really bring out the bass - both rumbling and subtle - that will add to the home theater experience. A matching center will give you a more consistent tonal match across the front three speakers, and since the center carries the bulk of the load of the dialogue, it should make a noticeable difference.

Your center channel will be sent to the FR and FL speakers once you disconnect (and possibly have to 'tell' the receiver it's gone) the center.

I do somewhat disagree with the other posters in that I would get the center first and replace the sub later, but either way you should stop using the HTIB center speaker you have immediately.

My reasoning for the sub first would be because right now he's completely missing some frequency range due to the poor performance of a HTiB sub. Two stereo speakers can properly image a center channel and he's not missing anything by it not being there. Yes, it is very important, but provided the FL and FR are decent enough, I believe the sub is more important for movies. Some may disagree. However, there is a reason you see a lot of 2.1 systems and very few 3.0 systems.

 

[WaTaGuMp]

I will probably get flamed for this, but get a better receiver.

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: WaTaGuMp
I will probably get flamed for this, but get a better receiver.

You seriously think his receiver is his limiting factor?

 

[WaTaGuMp]

Originally posted by: PurdueRy

Originally posted by: WaTaGuMp
I will probably get flamed for this, but get a better receiver.

You seriously think his receiver is his limiting factor?

Nope just giving a suggestion for much improved SQ would be a better receiver. I dumped my Onkyo yesterday for a NAD and I am blown away by the difference, best $499 I spent heh.

 

[3chordcharlie]

Originally posted by: PurdueRy

My reasoning for the sub first would be because right now he's completely missing some frequency range due to the poor performance of a HTiB sub. Two stereo speakers can properly image a center channel and he's not missing anything by it not being there. Yes, it is very important, but provided the FL and FR are decent enough, I believe the sub is more important for movies. Some may disagree. However, there is a reason you see a lot of 2.1 systems and very few 3.0 systems.

Because subs are 'cool'.

Seriously though, you're not wrong. I think the OP could replace the center, or ditch it and replace the sub and get a real improvement either way.

As long as the next move isn't to replace the surrounds (which should definitely come last), it won't be a wrong decision.

 

[Rio Rebel]

Originally posted by: WaTaGuMp

Originally posted by: PurdueRy

Originally posted by: WaTaGuMp
I will probably get flamed for this, but get a better receiver.

You seriously think his receiver is his limiting factor?

Nope just giving a suggestion for much improved SQ would be a better receiver. I dumped my Onkyo yesterday for a NAD and I am blown away by the difference, best $499 I spent heh.

So you have now concluded that changing an Onkyo for a NAD will improve everyone's system, regardless of what speakers they have?

 

[kalrith]

:thumbsup: for the R50s. I love mine as well. They're one of my best HT purchases from over 5 years ago.

I would go with the center channel first if you watch a lot of HDTV and movies that would utilize it. I'd go with the sub first if you use it for more SDTV and stereo music that wouldn't even use the center. I agree with the others that you should stop using your center channel immediately. Just to clarify things, surround-sound movie tracks send the majority of the dialogue to the center channel, so you don't want to short-change yourself with your current center channel. Also, be sure to get a center channel that matches the R50s; you can't just buy any Polk center and expect it to match. I'd recommend the CSi25 (what I have) or the CSR (I think it's the same as the CSi25). Some people use the CS1 as well, but it's a match for the Polk Monitor series and not the Polk R series. The CSi25 and AFAIK the CSR have the exact same tweeter and woofers as the R50, thus making them a perfect match.

A new sub will definitely help the sound of your system. You should note that the R50s don't have the greatest low-end bass, so you should set the crossover frequency to around 70-80 Hz and have your sub's crossover set to 10 Hz above that. That'll help the frequency of the bass of the subs and the R50s to overlap, which will blend the bass of the two and provide a better sound.

 

[erwos]

I'm also interested in the Polk R50s, but I haven't seen Outpost have a sale on them in forever.

 

[kalrith]

Originally posted by: erwos
I'm also interested in the Polk R50s, but I haven't seen Outpost have a sale on them in forever.

I think they were on sale just 10 days ago. They're listed as sold out now, but you could sign up for their in-stock notification: http://shop2.outpost.com/product/4005092

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

When you do get a center, do you have a plan for where you're going to put it? I can't help but notice that your current center actually appears to be aimed at the floor a few feet in front of the TV.

What's your budget for the upgrade?

If it's only ~$100, then I think your only viable option is the center upgrade unless you're willing to save up more. If you have $300-$400 to work with, then you could get a solid sub and then wait to find a good deal on a matching center to go with the R50s.

Either way, I would be using 4 of your old speakers to use as surrounds and rears if you have mounting locations for them in the room.

 

[Rio Rebel]

Sorry I didn't look at the picture earlier...

It is rare when I disagree with Yoyo, but I have to say that I might this time. I wouldn't put up all 4 of your surround/rear speakers necessarily. Depending on your room layout (size and shape) it is very possibly - even likely, judging from the picture - that you will struggle to get a good 5.1 setup placement, and placing a 7.1 would be challenging and probably not beneficial.

If that center speaker on your ceiling is acting as your center channel, disconnect it right away. You will be much better off with no center (or, depending on your receiver capability, a "phantom" center). Use the polks as your front stage for now.

From what I can tell from your photo, I would first disconnect that center channel, and put either 2 or 4 surround speakers up. Once again, the size and shape of the room will determine how much you need a better sub. And the smaller the space, the less you can "open up" the sound, which means you aren't hearing the distinction of each speaker as well.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Well I did qualify it with the condition that there are locations to put them in the room (I guess I should have said properly mount them?)

I'm not good enough at reflections to figure out what the room layout is like from the first picture so maybe alfa147x can post a couple more angles of the room for us to decide if we think 2 or 4 surrounds is the way to go.

 

[erwos]

Originally posted by: kalrith

Originally posted by: erwos
I'm also interested in the Polk R50s, but I haven't seen Outpost have a sale on them in forever.

I think they were on sale just 10 days ago. They're listed as sold out now, but you could sign up for their in-stock notification: http://shop2.outpost.com/product/4005092

I have done so. Thanks for the idea, obvious as it should have been.

Non-sequitur: Doesn't look like the matching R150 bookshelves are wall-mountable, but the (slightly higher-priced) Monitor 30s are.

 

[kalrith]

Originally posted by: erwos

Originally posted by: kalrith

Originally posted by: erwos
I'm also interested in the Polk R50s, but I haven't seen Outpost have a sale on them in forever.

I think they were on sale just 10 days ago. They're listed as sold out now, but you could sign up for their in-stock notification: http://shop2.outpost.com/product/4005092

I have done so. Thanks for the idea, obvious as it should have been.

Non-sequitur: Doesn't look like the matching R150 bookshelves are wall-mountable, but the (slightly higher-priced) Monitor 30s are.

You don't really need to match your surrounds to your fronts; just like the sub, they don't even need to be the same brand.

If you could find a pair of R15s somewhere, they have a keyhole slot on the back that allows you to wall mount them with a screw (and wall anchor, of course). That's how I used mine at my old house, but I'm going to have to get some stands for them at the new house.

 

[erwos]

Originally posted by: kalrith
You don't really need to match your surrounds to your fronts; just like the sub, they don't even need to be the same brand.

If you could find a pair of R15s somewhere, they have a keyhole slot on the back that allows you to wall mount them with a screw (and wall anchor, of course). That's how I used mine at my old house, but I'm going to have to get some stands for them at the new house.

Yeah, I know they don't need to match, but Polk really seems to have the best price/performance for the budget I have. I also can't seem to locate anything else that has keyholes for wall mounting. The R15s, as you mentioned, would be good, but I can't seem to find anyone selling them.

Sorry for hijacking your thread, OP, but at least it's dealing with, uh, your surround choices.

 

[kalrith]

Originally posted by: erwos

Originally posted by: kalrith
You don't really need to match your surrounds to your fronts; just like the sub, they don't even need to be the same brand.

If you could find a pair of R15s somewhere, they have a keyhole slot on the back that allows you to wall mount them with a screw (and wall anchor, of course). That's how I used mine at my old house, but I'm going to have to get some stands for them at the new house.

Yeah, I know they don't need to match, but Polk really seems to have the best price/performance for the budget I have. I also can't seem to locate anything else that has keyholes for wall mounting. The R15s, as you mentioned, would be good, but I can't seem to find anyone selling them.

Sorry for hijacking your thread, OP, but at least it's dealing with, uh, your surround choices.

I'd check out ebay or here. I wanted the R15s in cherry to match my R50s, and I picked up a brand new pair on ebay for $75 shipped. It was 1 1/2 years ago, but there still might be some new ones floating around. Used speakers can be a good deal too. I got a PSW350 used off of ebay for $110 shipped.

I don't consider this completely derailing the thread, because the OP might benefit from this information when he goes looking for a center or sub.

 

[vi edit]

Another vote for sub upgrade first. I'd go phantom center and just use your mains until you have an extra $100 laying around for the Polk CSR center. Fry's carries it every now and then for $80+ shipping. You'll get a little more range and clarity dialog with a decent dedicated center, but nothing earth shattering.

But dropping $250-$350 in a new sub would be a butt rumbling, pants flapping, teeth rattling experience.

Elemental Designs has some great values in that range.

 

[alfa147x]

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello
When you do get a center, do you have a plan for where you're going to put it? I can't help but notice that your current center actually appears to be aimed at the floor a few feet in front of the TV.

What's your budget for the upgrade?

If it's only ~$100, then I think your only viable option is the center upgrade unless you're willing to save up more. If you have $300-$400 to work with, then you could get a solid sub and then wait to find a good deal on a matching center to go with the R50s.

Either way, I would be using 4 of your old speakers to use as surrounds and rears if you have mounting locations for them in the room.

yeah my dad put those speakers up when i was 11
but the new center will be on top of the speaker

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: alfa147x

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello
When you do get a center, do you have a plan for where you're going to put it? I can't help but notice that your current center actually appears to be aimed at the floor a few feet in front of the TV.

What's your budget for the upgrade?

If it's only ~$100, then I think your only viable option is the center upgrade unless you're willing to save up more. If you have $300-$400 to work with, then you could get a solid sub and then wait to find a good deal on a matching center to go with the R50s.

Either way, I would be using 4 of your old speakers to use as surrounds and rears if you have mounting locations for them in the room.

yeah my dad put those speakers up when i was 11
but the new center will be on top of the speaker

on top of the TV you mean?