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Basic newby speaker questions

post #1 of 5
4/12/09 at 6:45pm
Thread Starter 
I'm converting my basement into a home theater which I'd imagine would earn the scorn and ridicule of many of the even semi-hardcore ht folks. I want it principally to watch movies and sports. I don't listen to much music in my home for whatever reason.

Speaker-wise, I've got Infinity Primus P362's for the fronts, and then Polk R30's for the surrounds, and a Polk CSi5 for the center channel. The subwoofer is (prepare to mock me out), a Sony product. The receiver is a Yamaha 633.

So you've already decided I'm lame because I bought a speaker made by Sony if you didn't already think I was lame for my other speakers. But I'm asking you to put that aside and show pity on the stranger in town. So on to my questions:

I'm considering ditching the R30's as surround speakers as I'd strongly prefer to have something smaller and wall mountable, for floor space, aesthetics, and to have them in a different sound stage than the fronts. Could you recommend me a pair of speakers which would fit in with what I've got. Is the wall mounting a bad idea? Also, is my center channel markedly more crappy than my fronts, and thus should I upgrade it? For rear surrounds, for 7.1 wiring, would it make sense to get an additional pair of the speakers that I choose for the surrounds?

Thanks for your help in advance, and I acknowledge that I deserve any audiophilic hazing which comes my way.
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post #2 of 5
4/12/09 at 7:04pm

Re: Basic newby speaker questions

I am not sure why you start with this self-deprecating stance but if you read replies in the majority of subjects in this lounge you will find it anything but condescending.

A basement theater is not only common but some prefer it for various reasons. Speakers used for HT are usually not held to the standards that speakers primarily for music are held to.

Subwoofers on the other hand might open up a lively discussion when considering HT requirements here.

BTW, if YOU are happy with the sound you get then why does it matter what others think or say?
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post #3 of 5
4/12/09 at 8:21pm

Re: Basic newby speaker questions

Hi Domenick,

First, welcome to HTF. No one thinks you (or your speaker choices) are lame here. This is a very friendly site (one of the best on the internet).

I would suggest you replace your center first. Get a timbre matched center to go with your Infinity's (maybe the PC250 or PC350). It may be best to contact Infinity directly to see what they recommend.

Since you already have Infinity up front, perhaps you can find something from them for your surrounds. Otherwise, my all time favorite surrounds are the QS8's from Axiom Audio (Stereo Loudspeakers & Home Theater Speakers at Axiom Audio – Your Ultimate Audio Experience)
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post #4 of 5
4/14/09 at 5:59am

Re: Basic newby speaker questions

I am a member of several forums and so far this is the most decent and helpful forum that im in. Just like me, don't hesitate to seek advice.

Have a nice day
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post #5 of 5
4/14/09 at 7:48am

Re: Basic newby speaker questions

We are a pretty laid back bunch unless you come in here singing the praises of Bose and Monster.

As for speaker recommendations, it is better to go out and audition as many speakers as possible. What sounds good to me may sound like crap to you. Everyone has different tastes and ears.

It is universally recommended to set your levels with your receiver's auto calibration system (if it has one) or with an SPL meter and a calibration DVD. This can dramatically improve the way a system sounds. You may not want to upgrade after this.

-Robert
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