Will separate Polks make THAT much of diff over HTIB system to make the cost worthwhi

[BoostedA4]

Hey all,

I continue to go through different plausible setups for my entry into home theater. I currently just have a 32" JVC TV with audio comin through it. I have a component-connected XBOX, which doubles as a DVD player. Most of my time is spent on XBOX gaming, DVD's, and TV (sports).

So I'd like a nice surround setup to go with this. For X-mas, my 'rents will likely get me the Onkyo HT-S760, if I'd like that. When I first considered HT, that's all I wanted and would have been completely satisfied with it. Now, however, I'm considering the component route. As an option, I could get the $500 they would pay for the Onkyo HTIB, and use it towards the following setup:

-RTi70's ($400/pair open box at CC)
-FXi30's ($200/pair open box at CC)
-Free 202 sub (but might upgrade to 303 for $100 more)
-Csi30 ($150 at CC.............BC MINE DOESN'T HAVE THE DAMN CSi40)

So that setup would be around $800 (I could prolly negotiate even more since i would be payin $600 of open box items). I would then search for a decent 6.1 receiver, so tack on another 300-400 and I'm at just over 1100.

This leads me at a $600 out of my personal savings for this polk setup vs nothing for the Onkyo HTIB.

So what I'm asking all of you, is whether you feel this is honestly worth that much more cost. I'm only 19, not a huge audiophile, am coming from an audio system out of a JVC TV, and will mostly use it for XBOX gaming, DVD"s, and sports TV. So given that, do you feel it's worth it?


Now a little rant.... WHY DOESN'T MY LOCAL CC HAVE THE CSI40 FOR $200~~~~~~!!~! AAAHHHHHHHHHH

[scottvamp]

I would suggest the Onkyo HTIB, in you situation. Great bang for the buck.
You don't have alot of equipment
You are not looking for really loud volume levels
Onkyo is a solid brand weither it is a HTIB or not.

[organ]

Yes, the bigger Polks will sound much better. It's probably a good idea to spend just a little more on the receiver. You may want to check out a receiver with pre-outs. If you want more power in the future, you can buy an external amp and connect it to the receiver's pre-out. Sounds like you're going to have a great system. You should be able to find good prices on receivers during boxing week.

He he..I know your parents are giving you money now for your audio stuff but believe me, in a few years they'll be giving you shit for constantly upgrading and having electronics and speakers all over the room:).


Maurice

[scornful]

I second what Scott said... the Onkyo was the only HTIB I liked when looking for a co-worker. However, weigh your options carefully. I was happy with my original Polk setup and more so with my current Polks. If you'll want to move to higher end within a couple of years, go ahead and get the 70's etc.... not gonna find a better deal than you will right now. Ask CC to contact other stores to see if they have the 40..... they might find ya one.

[kelley]

Get the htib. You're still young and it sounds like you don't need a full blown system just yet. Once you start buying stereo equipment you'll never be satisfied and will always want to upgrade. Decent gear is not cheap. I have about $6800 wrapped up in my system right now and I would consider it middle of the road. Most of my pieces were purchased as demo or "b" stock or the price would be closer to ten grand. Does it sound better than a htib? Yes in MY opinion, but for the average listener there is no way they would ever justify the cost. I have heard plenty of htib that I think do a good job for the price. You will get tired of your htib eventually, but you can always move it to another room. Don't spend the money now if you don't need to.

[BoostedA4]

Thanks for the replies so far...

Just curious, if I was to end up going with the RTi70's, etc... would a receiver, such as the Onkyo TX-SR601 be able to work with these fine? Or would a more powerful (and likely more expensive) receiver be required?

Thanks again...

[scornful]

Yeah the 601 should be enough for a pair of 70's. I ran my old RT800's off an 80W ProLogic Onkyo for years. The 70's arent near as power hungry as the 150's...

[acdds]

Don't forget that you will probably have to spend some more money on cables (speaker wire, interconnects, etc..) in addition to the receiver and speakers. So I would tack on another $50-$100 for entry level set-up. That is a good deal on the RTi70's though. Maybe pick those up and shop around for a good deal on a center channel then buy some cheapo surrounds. Those 70's can follow you thru school (college etc.) and be some kick ass stereo speakers. Good luck!

[scornful]

Thats what I was thinking.... if you dont wanna pay alot for wire, interconnects etc, try PartsExpress (http://www.partsexpress.com/) . I havent had any problems out of my Dayton interconnects and a friend runs "amp king" (?) 12ga wire. Ultimately you wont notice a difference in cables until you start payin round $100/pc or above...