What to Buy

[HomeBoy]

Hi, I have the following current system: AV receiver - STRDE875 (100W RMS in 8 ohms), Fronts: Sony SS-MF600H - 200W speakers, Center : Sony - SS-CN505 - 150W, Surround: Sony - SS-SR505H - 120W and Active Subwoofer: Sony - WM40 - 90W - 12 inch. All speakers are 8 ohms. I was looking to upgrade to either of the following systems:

B&W 638 speaker package -  with Marantz SR6006 receiver - Over 30K
 
 1 pr B&W 683 -fronts, 1 of B&W HTM61 - center and 1 pr B&W 685 surround and 1 of B&W ASW 610 XP active Sub

Polk Audio system with Onkyo TX-NR609/709/809 receiver - Just about 30K
1pr RTI-A7 - fronts, 1 of CSI-A6  center, 1 pr RTI-A1 Bookshelf, DSW-550 Subwoofer

1. What sound quality benefit will I receive if I upgrade to either package considering that I have heard both systems and cannot seem to hear any quality difference compared to my current system or am I deaf? I have an open plan lounge (6 X 6) and dining (6 X 5) and I am sure sound will be lost compared to those show rooms where I have heard the system play? An the system will sound K@K?
2. Is the price tag worth it for the upgrade or should I stay with my current system?
3. Is either package comparable to my current setup...for e.g. the Polk fronts is also 200W fronts with tweeter, mid and base or B&W 683 same spec
4. Very confused please help
5. What else you receommend?

[Homer]

I don't mean to be harsh, but YOU'RE DEAF! 

Seriously, any prolonged listening session will show up clear differences between your system and any of the other two options.

Most anything can play loud, it's the quality of the sound that will be much improved.

If you really can't hear a difference, do you think it's worth spending all that money?

[...]

If you can't hear a difference , then spend the money on something else.
Homer is right, it boils down to the quality.

[HomeBoy]

What you recommend? there are so many brands out there

[Robert_E]

I have heard both systems and cannot seem to hear any quality difference compared to my current system

When you demoed them did you listen to music that you're totally familiar with? I find it very difficult to compare speakers other wise.

[HomeBoy]

I don't mean to be harsh, but YOU'RE DEAF! 

Seriously, any prolonged listening session will show up clear differences between your system and any of the other two options.

Most anything can play loud, it's the quality of the sound that will be much improved.

If you really can't hear a difference, do you think it's worth spending all that money?

Is there a supplier out there that sells both B&W and Polk Audio where I can listen side by side? I want to also take my fronts with me to hear the difference

[HomeBoy]

When you demoed them did you listen to music that you're totally familiar with? I find it very difficult to compare speakers other wise.

I did, but used the Ipod, compressed music...this could be half the problem

[Atjan]

Hey Homey!

What source are you using?
I had a similar set of Sony's. When I upgraded my fronts to some MA bookshelfs, even my tin ears heard a really nice improvement. When it did really become abundantly clear how much better the MA's was, was only when I added a nice DAC to my DVD player. (stereo)
For movies, IMO, the biggest improvement came from chucking the Sony center in favour of a Mission MV. Gone with the  boxy and in with more  natural.

[dkronie]

I did, but used the Ipod, compressed music...this could be half the problem

yip that's the problem, take your fav cd and have a listen again

[...]

Find a retailer that has put a system together where the system synergy is tops, then sit and listen, theoretically, upon first impression you should have that WOW reaction, listen for a good half hour or so, and if you find yourself wanting more, you should be ready to decide.
Careful of systems that give that WOW and later on the dreaded listeners fatigue creeps in.

[HomeBoy]

Bu what about the fact that the demo rooms are sound proofed and dim lit etc to create the effects and at home I have tile floors and open plan? Will the WOW factor dissipate due to incorrect room acoustics? Also I found that the Onxyo amp was set at volume level of 70 to create some effects out of the speakers. Is 70 out of 100 (max)? If this is correct then you have to cranck it 70 perc of is volume to get any joy out of the speakers? They used Onkyo TX 609 amp to demo.

[Homer]

What you recommend? there are so many brands out there

The usual suspects would apply: Denon, Onkyo, Yamaha, Pioneer etc for a receiver.

I use the exact combo of B&W speakers you originally mentioned (except for the sub), and enjoy them tremendously.

You should decide what sounds best to your ears. You'll probably get as many opinions what to buy as there are forum members.

[...]

Don't always assume that the store has the best room.
Yes room acoustics play a massive role.
I have often taken stuff home that sounds better at home than in the store.
I have stuff in a room where people said it would never work.

[Homer]

Bu what about the fact that the demo rooms are sound proofed and dim lit etc to create the effects and at home I have tile floors and open plan? Will the WOW factor dissipate due to incorrect room acoustics? Also I found that the Onxyo amp was set at volume level of 70 to create some effects out of the speakers. Is 70 out of 100 (max)? If this is correct then you have to cranck it 70 perc of is volume to get any joy out of the speakers? They used Onkyo TX 609 amp to demo.

First prize would be to demo the components you're interested in at your own home. Some dealers will let you do this.

[HomeBoy]

That is perfect..who you recommend I see in jhb?