New HT With Ascends

[Highlife]

Hello, I am starting a new HT build in my basement. I already have CMT 340 classics for front L/R/C and a pair of Polk's for side surrounds. I will be adding the CBM 170SE's for the rear surrounds. I haven't picked a receiver yet and am considering going separates with the Onkyo SC886 and perhaps an Outlaw 7 channel amp. I was thinking the 200 watt version, the 7200, would be plenty of power, and I also see that there is a 125 watt version, the 7125.

Does anyone have either of these amps with their CMT 340's or 170's? I am currently running my 340's with a 13 year old Yamaha that I believe outputs 75 per channel. My question is, is the 200 wpc overkill? I am thinking a 50/50 use of both HT and music with some Wii thrown in.

Any comments are welcome.

PS I am also using a SV PC 20-39 powered sub.

[chas]

How big will your HT be?

I've used both 125 watt and 200 watt amps (Emotiva not Outlaw) with my 340SE/170SE system and found the 125 watt version to be more than sufficient. I would think you would benefit more going with the 7125 and using the money that's left to upgrade your classics to 340SE's.

[jschlesi]

I have 340 SE up front and HTM200 around the back/side all powered by an Onkyo 805. I could not be happier with the sound that comes out. I don't think the speakers need anymore power than what I am using. Though I have drooled over an Emotiva XPA-3 more than once. I don't think it would really be a worthwhile upgrade. I like to listen at full levels in a 800 sq foot game room and the system is used mainly for movies/TV/Sports. Front speakers and sub (outlaw LFM Plus) are on an insulated stage/riser and I have acoustic panels around the room. I have an Onlyo 605 in another system but think it would be definitely be over matched. I would think the 700 series might handle my set up adequately but not fill the room like the 805.

[Highlife]

Hi, my room size is 20 x 15. It is block wall on one side and the rear, floor to ceiling drapes on the other side and stairwell in the rear. Ceiling is unfinished 7 feet high. It is tile floor now but will be carpeted. I am leaning towards the 125wpc option.

Question on the 7.1 set-up, I have read that the side surrounds get more use than rear surrounds in 7.1, is that accurate?

Many thanks!

[davef]

Hi Highlife,


Question on the 7.1 set-up, I have read that the side surrounds get more use than rear surrounds in 7.1, is that accurate?

Many thanks!

Yes -- I would agree with that assessment but it is also highly dependent on what surround mode you will be using.

[Highlife]

Thanks David for the reply. I would like a new set of CBM 170's and need to decide if they are best suited for side or rear surround. I will be listening to some 5.1 channel music as well as 7.1 movies. I have a pair of Polk FXi30's bipole/dipole surrounds that I would like to use. I suppose the Polks would be better suited as sides and the 170's better for rears and 5.1 music duty. I think the matching is more critical when listening to music vs. watching movies.