Expertise needed

[Daemas]

EDIT: damnit, I put this is the wrong subforum. If a mod could move it, that'd be super.

A friend is looking to sell some of his gear and was wondering what you guys thought about the gear and the prices that he wants. They are going to be used as replacements for my 5w or 10w speakers (I know, I'm a horrible person) that came with my 42" plasma Panny . The sources are HD Cable through HDMI and PS3 games and Blu-Rays through HDMI. There may be a possibility that I end up using my plasma for computer games as well down the road. (source would be some kind of ASUS, Auzentech, or HT Omega card)

Polk Monitor 50s $150ish/pr

Polk PSW111 $100-150

Onkyo TX-SR500 $100-125

Are these pieces/this setup any good? How are the prices, fair?

Obviously anything is going to be a step up from the shitty "on board" speakers that came with the TV, or the shit Creative 7.1s I have for the computer, I have now. But are these going to be worth the money for me? I sit around 5-7 feet away from my TV (Bedroom). Are these overkill? I'm kind of thinking that they're going to be overkill but if the price is right then I'll get them and put them in the living room when I move out or something.

Thoughts are expertise is much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[MisterSparkle]

Not a bad price for the PM50's, especially if they're in decent condition. New they usually go for >$220.

Hmm, strange sub to go with the PM50's, as you'll only be getting another octave of bass at most from it due to it's size and the LF extension of the PM50's. Not a good pairing at all. If you'd like to buy from him (ie, he's desperate for cash) then it'd be okay, otherwise probably invest in a larger sub (10" or greater).

Then again, I've heard the low end on the monitors aren't all that great, so perhaps helping to fill them in with the PSW111 isn't all that bad.

Decent price for the receiver if it's in decent condition.

 

[thetruth]

Go with the speaker company over polk. I have had both. The speaker company is the best budget buy going.

 

[Daemas]

Not a bad price for the PM50's, especially if they're in decent condition. New they usually go for >$220.

Hmm, strange sub to go with the PM50's, as you'll only be getting another octave of bass at most from it due to it's size and the LF extension of the PM50's. Not a good pairing at all. If you'd like to buy from him (ie, he's desperate for cash) then it'd be okay, otherwise probably invest in a larger sub (10" or greater).

Then again, I've heard the low end on the monitors aren't all that great, so perhaps helping to fill them in with the PSW111 isn't all that bad.

Decent price for the receiver if it's in decent condition.

1: How do I check for condition with audio gear? Are we talking about scratches/aesthetic stuff or internals?

2: If not that sub, can you recommend another sub that's in the same price range? Could probably go to 175 if I could get closer to 20Hz. How about this Sony SA-W3000 $140???

3: If the gear isn't in good condition (gonna go see em on Friday), can you recommend different stuff?

thanks in advance

EDIT: Amazon prime/B&M stuff is much appreciated if at all possible

 

[MisterSparkle]

Aesthetic mostly. Have a listen as well to see if the system behaves itself. If your friend hasn't driven the system to dangerous levels, then the electronics should be in good condition.

For a subwoofer, perhaps look at the Dayton Sub-120 12" ($155).

Hopefully the rest of the items are in good condition, let us know otherwise

 

[Daemas]

Ended up getting the two Polk Monitor 50s, Polk PS1751, some JBL subwoofer that used to be in a HTIB (JBL SUB300), and a Pioneer VSX-D307 for $180.

I plan on replacing the sub in the next week or so with the Dayton Sub-120 you recommended.

I guess I'm also looking for a new receiver. I'm looking for one with 2 HDMI inputs with video pass-through (PS3/Cable Box). If I understand correctly, that allows me to plug both inputs into my receiver and then 1 HDMI into the TV and get audio and video, correct? (Or if there is a way to get the high def audio from the source with something other than HDMI, I'm all ears as well. I really have no idea when it comes to audio)
Can anybody recommend one that fits my criteria for a decently low price?


Thanks in advance

 

[MisterSparkle]

Not very knowledgeable on receivers. Bound to be someone around here who can recommend a solid receiver for you

 

[Alai]

Look for a stereo receiver from Harmon Kardon or Marantz with those two features. Just go to their website and browse through their available products.

 

[obobski]

Ended up getting the two Polk Monitor 50s, Polk PS1751, some JBL subwoofer that used to be in a HTIB (JBL SUB300), and a Pioneer VSX-D307 for $180.

I plan on replacing the sub in the next week or so with the Dayton Sub-120 you recommended.

I guess I'm also looking for a new receiver. I'm looking for one with 2 HDMI inputs with video pass-through (PS3/Cable Box). If I understand correctly, that allows me to plug both inputs into my receiver and then 1 HDMI into the TV and get audio and video, correct? (Or if there is a way to get the high def audio from the source with something other than HDMI, I'm all ears as well. I really have no idea when it comes to audio)
Can anybody recommend one that fits my criteria for a decently low price?


Thanks in advance

you don't want pass-through, that means no audio via HDMI, and you have to run S/PDIF, this can be a pain with some sources, basically, do it right the first time and get a receiver that will actually do HDMI audio

Look for a stereo receiver from Harmon Kardon or Marantz with those two features. Just go to their website and browse through their available products.

great idea, except nobody makes a stereo receiver with YPbPr, let alone HDMI, so that won't really work out

however, I do love the h/k suggestion, so I'll just throw it out there:
get the AVR-254

doesn't cost a ton, will do everything, good amplifier, good styling, remote isn't bad, and you'll have expandability in the future

also, what is "PS1751"? (google returned this thread as the only result)

a surround or center speaker? or something else?

 

[Alai]

LOL. You're right. Honestly, I thought the AVR-245 WAS a stereo receiver. My mistake. That's actually the receiver I was thinking when I suggested H/K, but I wanted OP to take a look at other selections in case they fit better.

Also, I'm sorry you had to resort to sad modern Polk speakers. Their budget level offerings are pretty bad, imo. Even their higher end stuff is meh (except maybe the LSi series). And then getting a sub from an HTiB? Sadness.

At least you should have gone for vintage Polk speakers. Lol. Probably cheaper too.

 

[obobski]

LOL. You're right. Honestly, I thought the AVR-245 WAS a stereo receiver. My mistake. That's actually the receiver I was thinking when I suggested H/K, but I wanted OP to take a look at other selections in case they fit better.

I'd go 254 over 245, the 245 is switching only, the 254 has video scaling and HDMI audio (including HD audio decoding)

I can't think of another vendor in the sub $500 arena who offers a receiver with decent amplification that does HDMI right, Sony's DH-800 claims to, although I've yet to see a decent review of its amplifier abilities, Yamaha's 663 and 665 do just fine, but they're ~$600

 

[Daemas]

also, what is "PS1751"? (google returned this thread as the only result)

a surround or center speaker? or something else?

A center speaker that my friend couldn't remember what it was and there was no model number scribed anywhere save (maybe) the bar code on the back.

And then getting a sub from an HTiB? Sadness.

That's just a five dollar stand in until I get this Dayton Sub-120 12"

I was looking at getting the Pioneer VSX-519V-K as it supposedly has the ability to do what I want (plug ps3/cable via hdmi into receiver. Then have the receiver play the audio via 5.1(or whatever number of channels the audio is coded for) and send the video to the tv.). Trying to find if a receiver has the ability to do this has been frustrating as hell. Everyone calls it something fucking different and explains it different and I can never tell what actually does what and what means what. But from what I can tell from the Pioneer website, it does do what I want http://www.pioneerusa.com/PUSA/Products/HomeEntertainment/AV-Receivers/PioneerReceivers/ci.VSX-519V-K.Kuro?tab=A which is apparently a 1080p video repeater. If all my notions are wrong, please enlighten me. BUDGET IS $~250 DOLLARS (unfortunately )

I'm also in the market for some rear surrounds.

Polk RM7s 160/pr
Polk OWM3s Best list of specs I could find, but 129.99/pr at newegg

Once I get a pair of surrounds I'm not going to upgrade anymore for a long time (unless that center is a piece of shit). Am I going to be able to hear/feel a difference or can I save the 30 dollars. Or if anybody had any other better choice for the price (100-160ish/pr) they're more than welcome to impart their knowledge.

 

[Alai]

CS175I. Not CS1751.

Your setup is making me completely sad. Lol. Except maybe that future subwoofer you're going to get (the Dayton).

Also for the receiver, look on eBay for the Harmon Kardon AVR-254. There's literally TONS of them that could be had for real cheap. Looks like Harmon Kardon's Direct Sales is having a clearance sale for the AVR-254.

 

[MisterSparkle]

I'd do without adding the center channel, and keep it to just the two polk monitors for now.

 

[Daemas]

CS175I. Not CS1751.

Your setup is making me completely sad. Lol. Except maybe that future subwoofer you're going to get (the Dayton).

Also for the receiver, look on eBay for the Harmon Kardon AVR-254. There's literally TONS of them that could be had for real cheap. Looks like Harmon Kardon's Direct Sales is having a clearance sale for the AVR-254.

wow, can't believe I missed that model number, like probably four or five times over the past day.

I'm looking to see if i can afford the avr-254 (i.e currently bidding. How much do they usually end up going for?). But for shits and giggles, will the pioneer I linked do what I want it to?

decided to scrap the notion of surround for right now as well.

 

[Alai]

Yeah. The Pioneer should be fine. Personally, I find Harmon Kardon and Marantz to be more reliable and usually have better amp sections than Pioneer or Yamaha or even Onkyo.

 

[450]

The AVR-254 you're bidding on will probably end somewhere around 250-300 (my guess anyway).

 

[Alai]

Maybe the first few... but ALL of them? Especially since their auctions end all within a few hours of each other? Doubt it.

 

[Daemas]

Yeah. The Pioneer should be fine. Personally, I find Harmon Kardon and Marantz to be more reliable and usually have better amp sections than Pioneer or Yamaha or even Onkyo.

Nothing personal, but if the setup is making you completely sad (even though I got rid of the notion of surround, so it's just two shitty monitor 50s instead of five little speakers), why would I need a high quality receiver when I'm obviously not going to be putting it to good use? Know what I mean?

I used the 10w (or 5 or 8 or whatever they are) shit on my 42" panny plasma for over a year and half with no complaints (although I knew there was better out there). I use shitty creative speakers for my computer (although I will be going to Swans or Behringers). Is going from the VSX-519 to the AVR-254 really going to be noticeable without higher quality fronts?

Like I said, nothing personal. I'm just trying to wrap my head around your choices.

 

[obobski]

The AVR-254 you're bidding on will probably end somewhere around 250-300 (my guess anyway).

its like $399 new if you buy it direct, probably more at BB or similar
so $300 would be pushing it imho for a used one, factory refurb FROM harman, $300 would be fair, otherwise just find it on sale at like crutchfeld or something, or go direct and just suck up the $399 cost

Nothing personal, but if the setup is making you completely sad (even though I got rid of the notion of surround, so it's just two shitty monitor 50s instead of five little speakers), why would I need a high quality receiver when I'm obviously not going to be putting it to good use? Know what I mean?

I used the 10w (or 5 or 8 or whatever they are) shit on my 42" panny plasma for over a year and half with no complaints (although I knew there was better out there). I use shitty creative speakers for my computer (although I will be going to Swans or Behringers). Is going from the VSX-519 to the AVR-254 really going to be noticeable without higher quality fronts?

Like I said, nothing personal. I'm just trying to wrap my head around your choices.

the AVR-254 has better features, it can actually handle HDMI audio, it isn't a ripoff box, theres nothing wrong with your speakers (I really don't want to start a flamewar here Alai), they just aren't "high end enough" for some people's tastes (if that makes sense?)

going with a receiver that works right out of the box, and doesn't have to be replaced in 6 months because you've outgrown its features, is a far better choice, with the AVR-254 you'll basically be set for a good long time, unless you end up needing like 6 HDMI ports (if you need more power, it can run as a preamp, so its got that covered too)

honestly I'd just go with the AVR-254 + all the stuff you've got, including the center, and setup the speakers correctly in config, have three channels when in "surround", and two channels when in stereo, do whatever with the sub, should sound just fine for movies, games, etc

is it audiophile grade? no
is it going to get you onto the cover of Sound & Vision? no
for under $500, is it a pretty damn good upgrade/good overall? yeah

 

[Daemas]

okay, got everything setup.

Harman Kardon AVR-254 (factory refurb) - $255 shipped
Polk Monitor 50s (Used) - $150/pr
Polk CS2 (New) - $150
Polk Monitor 30s (New) - $100
Dayton SUB-120 (New) - $150
Misc cables and stuff - $100
_______________________________
$905

Everything sounds good (except I'm still trying to get all the levels right) but another curve has been thrown my way. (Sorry if everything is scrambled, I've got a lot of questions and so little ways to incorporate them into the post.)

My friend is trying to sell me a pair of Polk Monitor 60s for 140/pr. I would normally jump on this since I paid him 150/pr for the monitor 50s a week earlier. I would then just move the 50s to my rears, BUT I ended up getting a pair of 30s before this offer to use as surrounds. I can not return them to Newegg because of Newegg's policy concerning speakers. I also can NOT have a 7.1 setup (else that would be the obvious choice) because I have no room for side surrounds, so I have to have a ghetto 5.1 with speakers 4 and 5 at the positions where 6 and 7 should be.

I was going to end up getting some Swan D1080MkIIs, Swan M200MkIIs, or Behringer MS40s for computer usage down the road in a month or so. But I was wondering if the monitor 30s any good for computer usage? I know the 30s are much better than my current computer setup (Creative Inspire P7800 90 Watts 7.1 Speaker), but would one of the more "classic" computer speakers like the Swans be better for games/internet usage? If I use the 30s, I have a full 7.1 setup waiting for me when I move in a year or so (hopefully prices on the Swan MKIIIs will have gone down by then )

The AVR-254 has the ability to play both "zones" at once, which is a big plus as I like to play computer games and have a baseball or hockey game on in the back ground. Will the 55watt X 7 channel receiver be enough to power all these guys, or should I look into some kind of amp for one of the various pairs or speakers to take some preasure off the AVR-254? Also, if I'm playing sound out of both channels at the same time, will both use the LFE, or will it be 5.1 + 2.0? (couldn't find that in the manual)

Also, if the monitor 30s (or any other speakers that use speaker wire (and consequently a receiver) are what you would recommend, what kind of connection should I run from my computer to the receiver? Right now I have Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer Fatal1ty Pro. The sound card has three 3.5mm line outs and an AD_link connector (Whatever the fuck that is). My ASUS P5W DH Deluxe Motherboard has a Realtek ALC882M and the board has Coaxial and Optical SPIDF outs. I know that the SPIDF outs are the best in terms of quality but is the Realtek chip anywhere close to the quality of the creative in terms of audio processing?

I believe that my brain has now been emptied and any expertise given would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[Alai]

I think it would be most economical if you would just use the Monitor 30 for your computer setup.