Should I upgrade or not.

**irvinew** · January 20, 2021, 11:21 AM

I'm sure you get asked this lots but I am in the beginning stages of trying to understand everything that involves a 5.1 surround sound system; sensitivity etc .

About 10 years ago I purchased this:

Pioneer Receiver VSX series, I think 90-100W 5.1 receiver.
Polk Monitor II 60 series, floor, surround and center channel speaker
Soundstage Subwoofer

To be honest it puts out decent sound though understandably distorted at very high levels; I am wondering though if there isn't something better. I was looking at the Klipsch F200B and related speakers; more efficient I see but not clear if they are that much better than what I have.

I'm just not prepared to spend thousands right now on something different for marginal gains. If the F200B is entry level for Klipsch and not revolutionary to what I have then I'll keep what I have until I can afford something more.

What I have now I think is too much for my room as it is; should I look at the Klipsch F200B series or should I just wait? Or should I upgrade my receiver to something better for music say a Sony or Yamaha.

Any thoughts? Any suggestions?

Room Specs:

10'X12' Small

**Calvin** · January 20, 2021, 11:26 AM

Welcome to the forum.

What type of power cords and power conditioners are you using? Have you run dedicated lines? If you haven’t already, integrating both of these ideas will give you tremendous gains in your present system.

**nicoff** · January 20, 2021, 11:37 AM

Originally Posted by irvinew

I'm sure you get asked this lots but I am in the beginning stages of trying to understand everything that involves a 5.1 surround sound system; sensitivity etc .

About 10 years ago I purchased this:

Pioneer Receiver VSX series, I think 90-100W 5.1 receiver.
Polk Monitor II 60 series, floor, surround and center channel speaker
Soundstage Subwoofer

To be honest it puts out decent sound though understandably distorted at very high levels; I am wondering though if there isn't something better. I was looking at the Klipsch F200B and related speakers; more efficient I see but not clear if they are that much better than what I have.

I'm just not prepared to spend thousands right now on something different for marginal gains. If the F200B is entry level for Klipsch and not revolutionary to what I have then I'll keep what I have until I can afford something more.

What I have now I think is too much for my room as it is; should I look at the Klipsch F200B series or should I just wait? Or should I upgrade my receiver to something better for music say a Sony or Yamaha.

Any thoughts? Any suggestions?

Room Specs:

10'X12' Small

I personally would not bother with cables and power conditioners in your case and spend the money where it really can make the biggest difference: the speakers. There are several online companies that have very flexible return policies. You might be able to purchase the speakers that you are talking about (or something they might recommend) and try them out at your home with the rest of your system. If after trying you decide that it is not worth it, you can then return the speakers and get your money back.

**FDPDK** · January 20, 2021, 11:44 AM

Welcome to the forum

**Mr Peabody** · January 20, 2021, 11:47 AM

Welcome to AS.

I'm a bit confused, on one hand you say the sound gets distorted, then go on to say you think the system is too much for your room. If you have enough power for your room you shouldn't get distortion. Distortion is typically when you push your system too hard. Some distortions can also be caused by room issues. I personally like the auto speaker set up softwares offered in home theater gear, plus some room treatments go along way.

One way to upgrade is to add external power amplification. Your receiver would need preamp outputs for this. An external power amp would have better performance over the receiver's built-in amp an would be better able to drive thePolk.

The Klipsch speakers would be easier for your receiver to drive and have a more lively sound. "Better" is in the ear of the beholder

I like to set my subwoofer gain at about 9 'clock providng plenty of headroom. Some make the mistake of turning the sub up too high which can cause distortion on peaks. If the gain is low and volume then set by the receiver set up your sub should have power reserve.

I personally like Marantz for home theater, good sound and intuitive set up. Yamaha has come along very well also.

**mep** · January 20, 2021, 05:32 PM

Originally Posted by nicoff

I personally would not bother with cables and power conditioners in your case and spend the money where it really can make the biggest difference: the speakers. There are several online companies that have very flexible return policies. You might be able to purchase the speakers that you are talking about (or something they might recommend) and try them out at your home with the rest of your system. If after trying you decide that it is not worth it, you can then return the speakers and get your money back.

Totally agree that power cords, power conditioners, and dedicated lines are the last thing he needs right now.

**dznutz** · January 20, 2021, 11:43 PM

Unfortunately, the first thing that is needed is a larger room.

**BlueFox** · January 21, 2021, 12:02 AM

I look at power (dedicated 20 amp lines) and power cables as the foundation for any stereo or HT. Build a good foundation and then any gear will work at its best.

**Mike B.** · January 21, 2021, 02:36 PM

You might ask at Critchfield. They sell a lot of home theater gear and I believe they carry Klipsch.

**scottywil** · February 10, 2021, 11:42 AM

I'm planning to change my receiver to AV 4k, I found a Yamaha RX V685, but where I read about it 4 Best 4K Receiver Reviews of 2021 [Top for Home Theater] recommend Denon AVR-X2700H...They completely confused me, maybe there are other Yamaha models?

**Mr Peabody** · February 10, 2021, 02:31 PM

Keep in mind those lists are someone's opinion, not definitive, so ifthe Yamaha has everything you need and that's the one you like, then get that one. Yamaha holds their own in the receiver market.

I hope that 4k isn't your only reason to upgrade. A direct video connection to your TV would cure that.

Originally Posted by scottywil

I'm planning to change my receiver to AV 4k, I found a Yamaha RX V685, but where I read about it 4 Best 4K Receiver Reviews of 2021 [Top for Home Theater] recommend Denon AVR-X2700H...They completely confused me, maybe there are other Yamaha models?

**Mikado463** · February 10, 2021, 06:05 PM

Originally Posted by nicoff

I personally would not bother with cables and power conditioners in your case and spend the money where it really can make the biggest difference: the speakers.

agreed 100% You say distortion at 'high levels', what spl's ? Given your small room it's quite possible that @ high levels the acoustics of your room can't handle the spl ......

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