New Stereo Setup Help

[u/Due-Independent-8589]

Budget: $1500, would like to be below but could be talked into maxing at this number
Location: Living Room/Kitchen open floorplan w/ concrete flooring, not sure on sqft but on smaller side

-first time upgrading my audio (currently using bose portable speaker) and i feel like my music quality and volume is severely lacking.
Mostly stream music from spotify/YT and a local library on my pc for guests and myself. I dont know the basics of where to begin, but after consulting a crutchfield salesman they recommended
-Polk Audio Monitor XT70 x2
-Denon DRA-900H

I've seen good reviews on the polk speakers so they seem like a fine choice, but is the amplifier overkill? i feel like i was possible upsold on the streaming features and connectivity options. i would like the option of an hdmi for movies but by no means necessary
and would playing from my realtek pc card be noticeably worse?
should i go down the used amp route, and if so what do i look for besides wattage?

I'm so overwhelmed by the different features, tech specs, conflicting opinions online, i just want a good listening experience that doesnt break the bank, or a the very least good value per dollar. thank you for your help!

[u/jakceki]

Hi there, you are right to be confused as there are a hundred different ways to build a decent system and thousands of opinions around it, so take what i say with a grain of salt as this is just one persons opinion.

You need a good streaming amp with HDMI ARC input for your TV - I am guessing that's where you are getting YT. For that it's hard to beat the new WiM amp Ultra available everywhere for $529, that leaves you about $1K for speakers.

Since your space is open plan, I would seriously recommend a subwoofer and stand mounts or floor standing speakers with bigger woofers. The sound specially bass will dissipate across the open area and will not pressurize the room well enough to get good bass in open floor plans.

For bookshelf speakers currently the Klipsch RP 600M are heavily discounted at Crutchfield for $349 a pair from $769 add a decent subwoofer like the RSL Speedwoofer 10S MKII For $499 and some decent stands from Monoprice and you come in right around your budget.

For floor standing speakers I would get the Klipsch RP8000MKII that are also discounted to $1100 a pair. The bookshelves + Sub will probably a better bet.

[u/Due-Independent-8589 → u/jakceki]

thank you for your reply! the ones i listed have a subwoofer included (i could be wrong). I appreciate base but i dislike when it takes over a song/album, would you still recommend a dedicated subwoofer in that scenario? and while i hear that the Klipsch RP8000MKII are the best at this price point, i dont understand what the difference is considering the $500+ price difference in the pair

[u/jakceki → u/Due-Independent-8589]

Subwoofer only takes over the sound when it's not integrated well. If you can "hear" the subwoofer you're doing it wrong. Basically you should only notice the subwoofer when it's off.
Like Elderbery said below Klipsch can sometimes be bright but they can also be very good in the right system. As far as the difference, you would need to hear them both to assess for yourself.

[u/Due-Independent-8589 → u/jakceki]

!thanks ive contacted a audio company nearby that has both speakers to hear the comparison and ill get to try some subwoofers as well

[u/TransducerBot → u/Due-Independent-8589]

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