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I need some expert help

#1
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2/17/09 at 3:28pm
  • Joined: February 2009
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i am looking at going with the onkyo 606 , am still not sure about blu-ray player. I presently have a sony sa -wm20 sub, polk csi20 center and 2 sony ss-mb100h and 2 sony ss-mb150h speakers. Are any of these worth keeping? I have a hitachi 60 inch hd tv and will be using this system for movies only. I have a speaker budget of about 400 dollars, can i use any of the ones i got for a decent sounding system or should i start over. I know speaker preference is opinion but that is what i want . I just hate going to circuit city and leaving this up to them.
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#2
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2/17/09 at 6:27pm
  • Joined: August 2003
  • Location: SF Bay Area
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Re: I need some expert help

Quote:
I just hate going to circuit city and leaving this up to them.
Just about the worst thing you could do .

Even though I don't care for them, if you like the Sony speakers then as I suggested elsewhere, find a matching center and sell the Polk. You could then also sell the Sony sub and use the money you have saved and get a real good subwoofer. Many members think the sub is as important, or more so, than the rest of the HT setup.

If you like the Sony sub and are ambivalent to the Sony speakers then look at the E-bay stores of speaker companies like Klipsch (Energy), Harman Kardon (Infinity) and Polk (well, Polk) for real good prices on refurbished speakers.

A couple of members here have bought this Energy package (it's been available without the sub for $399 shipped) off E-Bay and seem very pleased with it. I have a pair of the C-50's and consider the sound as very dark or subdued. This may or may not appeal to you but value wise, it's a real good deal. The seller claims to be an authorized dealer but I'd check with Energy first.

In any event, it's imperative that you do some legwork and go listen to as many different speakers as you can before deciding. The best deal in the world is no good at all if you don't like the way they sound.
"Everyday room": Mitsubishi 52631 RPTV, H/K 520, H/K dvd-5, H/K 8380, H/K CDR 20, OPPO BDP-83 BluRay player, Dish-HD, Infinity Beta 20's-C250-OWS1's, Dayton HSU10.
"Movie/Music room": Toshiba 65HM167 RPTV, Pioneer Elite 59txi, Elite DV59avi, Elite CD-59, Pioneer PD-51FD BR, Dish-DVR, Swan Diva...
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#3
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2/17/09 at 7:42pm
  • Joined: January 2004
  • Location: Mechanicsburg, PA
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Re: I need some expert help

I'll throw in my favorite low budget speakers - Fluance SXHTB+ 5 Speaker Surround Sound Home Theater System. Maybe pair them with your current sub until you can save for a better one.

I'm one who thinks the sub is the most important part of the HT. My sub is the most expensive component in my setup. Even more expensive than my 61" TV.

PS - I got my sub used from a member here for less than half the original retail. Buying used (speakers) is a great way to get quality at a decent price.
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#4
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2/18/09 at 4:35am
  • Joined: February 2009
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Re: I need some expert help

David, i looked at the fluance and they are backordered for 6 weeks , that is what i am looking for . Do you have any more links for a similar speaker package?
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#5
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2/18/09 at 6:36am
  • Joined: January 2004
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Re: I need some expert help

Six weeks. That stinks....

These were the ones I went with a few years ago when I needed something cheap. They were an upgrade to both the Sony junk and my old Infinity bookshelves. At the time I was looking, these best I could find for the price.

Perhaps you could get 2 speakers for now like these - Bookshelf Speakers - M22 v2 - Axiom Audio and use a 'phantom center' (no center). Use your existing speakers for surrounds and bass. Later you can add the center and surrounds.
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#6
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2/18/09 at 7:19am
  • Joined: May 2003
  • Location: Eastern NC
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Re: I need some expert help

I have a pair of the Sony SS-MB100H, I use for my surrounds. I used them as my fronts for a little while, until I acquired the Polks I have now. These little speakers do a very good job, considering they were pretty cheap speakers. I like them very much. People that have been to my house have commented they sound very good, to be a Sony speaker.
Samsung HL61A750 (LED DLP)            Onkyo TX-SR805
Oppo BDP-83 Blu ray                                  Polk Audio LSi9
Polk Audio LSiC                                  Sony SS-MB100H
JBL PSW1200 (Sub)                        ...
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#7
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2/18/09 at 12:53pm
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Re: I need some expert help

I think i will go with the axiom link you sent, i will run the phantom center , which sony speakers should i use for the surrounds --- the mb100 or mb150? will the sony sub ( wm20) i have work ok for this application? what do you think about the onkyo 606 ?
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#8
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2/18/09 at 7:30pm
  • Joined: January 2004
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Re: I need some expert help

The Onkyo is a very good receiver.

The Sony Sub will work with the speakers, how it will sound, not sure. Try it. It is definitely a low end sub, but it may be better than no sub. You will have to decide.

I couldn't find much info on the Sony speakers... Just guessing the MB150 is probably better. Again, try them both and see what works best.
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