RTI8s, Monitor 50s and a PSW505

[harshil102]

Hello everyone, first post after tons of stalking the forums :cheesygrin:

I am setting up a home theater in an approximately 20' by 20' room. Im planning on using an epson 8350 projector with a 135" or larger screen.

On the audio side, i've ordered a Denon 1712 AVR, and i am now trying to figure out the best speaker configuration for the theater. The budget is around 1300 for the speakers. So far, i am looking at a 7.1 setup with a pair of RTi8s for the front right and left channels, a CSi5 Center, 4 Monitor 50s for the surrounds, and a PSW505 sub. From what i have read, this set up will provide me with good movie and tv performance, but i was hoping to get some input from forum members on how the speakers will go together, whether or not i will require an amp, or if im after a completely wrong speaker setup :rolleyes:

Would i enjoy a better movie watching experience by investing in more expensive speakers for a 5.1 set up or with the speakers im thinking of in a 7.1 set up?

[jbooker82]

I would use a pair of FXI's over monitors for the side surrounds. Then use a pair of RTI book shelfs for the rear surrounds. If budget is an issue then build a good 5.1 system instead of a lower quality 7.1 system. You can always add a second pair of speakers down the road.

As for the sub you can get a DSW Pro660WI from new egg on sale for $349

[tonyb]

Your receiver is on the lite side for a 7.1 system. In 7 channels, it probably not even giving you 40 watts per channel. Plus it has no preouts to add an amp down the road. Will it work ? Sure....will it make your system sound it's best ? Probably not. Go with a 5.1 system, the receiver will handle that better.

[nguyendot]

I agree with tonyb... You're going for a huge picture, so you should have sound that matches. Go external amplification or go home.

[tonyb]

I'm not necessarily saying he should add an amp, though that is optimal, just that that particular receiver is lite on the power side and has no preouts to add any amplification down the road. Just a thought in case you have a chance to upgrade that receiver. If I were you, I'd look for a beefer receiver, like an ONKYO 7 or 8 series at least or a Pioneer elite, SC version even better. Go used and save a buck.

[harshil102]

I could return the receiver, but if i keep it, could i use a speaker level to line out adapter such as this: http://ochomeaudio.com/p-136-adp-12-speaker-to-line-level-adapter.aspx
in conjunction with an amplifier to amplify my speakers or would this compromise sound quality?

Also, how would bi-amping the RTi8s with a 5.1 setup do?

jbrooker82, do you think the PSW505 will not be good for the set up?

[jbooker82]

jbooker82, do you think the PSW505 will not be good for the set up?

Is s a good sub for the money but if you could get a DSW Pro660WI and still be within your budget it would be a better sub. It might hold off the uprade bug a little longer. Your best bet is to figure out what your going to spend and buy the most speaker for the amount you have set aside.

[harshil102]

i'll probably go for the sub you recommended unless i end up spending significantly more on the surrounds or fronts, this is going to be for my parents, so my upgrade bug won't have a say lol but they do watch a lot of movies and since there won't be many upgrades for a long long time, i want to try to get as good a setup as i can the first time around.

[nhhiep]

honestly, with your AVR, forget the idea of 7.1. Even with 5.1, you're lucky to get 60WPC. Your Rti8s are very good for HT when use with a good sub like 505, but sucks for music though (too bright)

I used to run Rti8s with Csi5 as well with a older Sony 444ES AVR, which put out a lot of power for a AVR, but not using them now after I replaced them with Rti12s and HK signature 2.1 amp

[harshil102]

i think ive got it all decided:
RTi8s for the fronts, bi-amped
CSi5 for the center
PSW505 sub
except the surrounds, which would be better,
Monitor 60s or a pair of RTi4s?

im gonna do a 5.1 with my current receiver and bi-amp the rti8s to see how it sounds, i'll change out the receiver if i dont like it, thanks for the help!

[Lietuvis91]

for surrounds I would definitely looks at rti4s, rtia1 or rtia3. Especially if your front speakers are rti series. Towers like m60s are a waste as surrounds in my opinion and they don't match your front.

[harshil102]

okay thanks everyone, i've bought and ordered it all:
2 RTi8s Fronts
CSi5 Center
2 RTi4s Surrounds
PSW505 Sub

I'll let you guys know how it turns out, and be back for that receiver if i feel i need it, thanks for the help everyone!