$1800-2000 to spend /Noob needs help

[triage1998]

Hello everyone. New guy here.

What would you all recommend if you had $1800-2000 to start with?

I am looking for speakers and receiver.

I had a pretty nice Polk Audio speakers when I was in college 17 years ago but sadly when I was home on Christmas break my house on campus was broken into and everything was stolen including the sheets on my bed:mad:

I don't need a 5.1 setup right now. 2.1 setup? What would you get?

mostly 75% movies and TV with about 25% music in a 19'x13' rectangular room. 8' ceilings, 3 walls rough cut cedar and one wall slate tiles where a wood burning stove will be on far side of room. small couch and 1 chair. 3 doors. 1 going into laundry room, 1 going in to bathroom and 1 going into storage/crawl space.

I should add I have small children so bookshelves mounted on the wall will be a must.

[cheddar]

You're a heavy movie watcher but don't want 5.1? Not that you couldn't get a sweet system concentrating your money on 2.1, but why not interested in unlocking the HT potential?

[haimoc]

I have a pair of Polk Lsi9 (Bookshelves) and a Polk LsiC (Center) for sale... Just in case you want them.

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=51524

[zombie boy 2000]

I think Haimoc's sale would be an excellent place to start...

[triage1998]

cheddar- i would love to get a 5.1 sytem right now but can I on a $1800-$2000 budget including the receiver?

haimoc- Let me do some research on those speakers and I will get back to you.

[JimBRICK]

with that budget

monitor 60
http://shop2.outpost.com/product/4101633?JSESSIONID=Gp10j8YRWxywbsp52h2FxKXKqvLSBrK j2CpJtnp5sRdqvxtLyMTT!2131855854!-1414812095&site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG"
csi3
http://shop2.outpost.com/product/3810347?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG"
fxi3
http://shop2.outpost.com/product/3826477?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG"
psw404
http://shop2.outpost.com/product/3533024?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG"

ONKYO TX-SR604B
http://shop2.outpost.com/product/4938811?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG"

[triage1998]

zombie boy 2000- your probably right.

Say I bought haimoc speakers. What would you ad to them to get 5.1 and what about a receiver?

I probably can kick my budget up to around $2500-2600 if i needed to.

[haimoc]

triage1998,

Please take your time....

[triage1998]

monitor 60

http://shop2.outpost.com/product/4101633?JSESSIONID=Gp10j8YRWxywbsp52h2FxKXKqvLSBrK j2CpJtnp5sRdqvxtLyMTT!2131855854!-1414812095&site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG"

csi3


http://shop2.outpost.com/product/3810347?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG"

fxi3

http://shop2.outpost.com/product/3826477?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG"


psw404

http://shop2.outpost.com/product/3533024?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG"

ONKYO TX-SR604B

http://shop2.outpost.com/product/4938811?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG"

Let me take a look at this setup JimBRICK. Thanks for the links

[JimBRICK]

np happy listening

[zombie boy 2000]

Triage... if you're willing to go used, your initial budget of $2000 will have you in an unbelievable system. IMO a much, much better system than the one you found at Fry's.

And at $2500, your options are endless. Let me get this straight though...
you're wishing to build a 2.1 system? There is nothing wrong with this, as this is what I have chosen to do. I just wanted to clarify what we're working with.

[JimBRICK]

2 channel system its a no brainer

I just bought a pair of lsi15's and an lsic (for stereo movies) a nad reciever and amlooking for a nad power amp. but I've only spent 1600 CAD so far

[triage1998]

zombie boy 2000- I would like a 5.1 but with my budget of $1800-$2000 I thought I couldn't get a decent system at that price. Like I said I am a noob to this and would prefer a 5.1 for movies and such

[cheddar]

zombie boy 2000- your probably right.

Say I bought haimoc speakers. What would you ad to them to get 5.1 and what about a receiver?

I probably can kick my budget up to around $2500-2600 if i needed to.


Triage. The LSI series is polk's top of the line. They are hard to find proper amplification for, however to get the best sound out of them. If you will be buying a midrange receiver, you might consider the RTi line as they're easier to match.

Also, I was thinking you could go with a 2.1 set-up now just to get you back into things but with an eye towards eventually filling out the system to 5.1. Then you could put a little more money into the receiver now, get two nice RTi bookshelves for instance and eventually move them to the back as surrounds when you upgrade.

If you go the LSi route, though, you're talking big bucks to do the same thing since you have to be concerned with amplification. And may be looking at a nice pre-amp with seperate amplification. You can still go for the 2.1 LSi system but have to be more careful about the components. But it will start you off much better in terms of quality.

[triage1998]

Cheddar that was the problem. If I go the LSi route on a 5.1 I run out of my budget on amplification.

I could go the 2.1 route and go LSi now and drop the bucks on a receiver now and add other components later.

Recommendations?

[zombie boy 2000]

Triage... it will save you more money in the long run to get the best you can now and build from that. In other words, I would start with an excellent 2.1 system as opposed to a mediocre 5.1 system. This will keep you from having to shell out even more money to trade in the "mediocre" 5.1 system for the one you really want in the future.

Haimoc said it best. Take your time.

[JimBRICK]

if you go lsi think about this ultra theater series pair
899 plus free shipping
my friend purchased one and it sounds great
http://www.emotiva.com/products.html

and has TONS of power for lsi's

[zombie boy 2000]

Now let's get the obvious out of the way...
drop your plans for a receiver. Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of good ones out there. But your proposed budget allows you to consider separates (such as external amplication and preamps). And for the most part, these will provide much better sonics than your standard AVR. Are you aware of these?

[cheddar]

Well obviously if you will eventually want an LSi level system, starting with the 2.1 or 3.1 that haimoc has may be the way to go. Then you could get a nice multichannel pre-amp and a good stereo or 3-channel amp.

I would try and demo the speakers before you buy them. Those of us with LSis love them, but you really owe it to yourself to take some time and compare different speakers. That's part of the fun!

[haimoc]

triage1998,
I am wondering if you can find a Polk dealer in your local area that carries Polk Lsi speakers. You can try them first to see if you like them before making a decision.

[triage1998]

Actually, I am going out this afternoon to hear the Lsi9's and LsiC :)

external amplication and preamps? Not familiar

zombie boy 2000 I didn't know that.

What would you recommend to run haimoc's Polk Lsi9 (Bookshelves) and a Polk LsiC (Center). Pre-amps and receiver?

Help me out here, haimoc's Lsi9 and the LsiC is a 3.1? I am probably stating the obvious LOL



haimoc- PM on the way to you with questions

[triage1998]

Haimoc can't send PM to until I hit 10 posts :confused:

[triage1998]

almost there

[triage1998]

Done. Pm on the way

[zombie boy 2000]

I think you're safe to post a bit of nonsense.

Nevermind... I see that you did:D

[cheddar]

2 LSi 9s + 1 LSiC + .1 for the subwoofer = 3.1 :)

Also, the LSi 9 is a great sounding speaker but is a little on the large size for a bookshelf. You might have to place it on an actual shelf to get it mounted on the wall.

[zombie boy 2000]

Whereas a receiver traditionally puts an amp, preamp, and tuner all in the same chassis, separates are precisely that -- separate. They are easily connected together by your standard RCA's.
By allowing each to have its own power supply, parts, components, etc, you will generally have improved sound in the form of increased clarity, better dynamics, improved bass, etc. etc.

A very short, sweet, and abbreviated take on both pieces is that the amp provides the power while the preamp allows for volume control and source selecting. Of course there is much more to a preamp than this, but we'll leave it at that for now.

[Sherardp]

Triage you will have a nice sounding setup with the LSi9s and center +sub. You really have good timing to be honest.

[haimoc]

PM returned. Thanks.

Some reviews about Lsi9 if you care..
http://cgim.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/srch_rev.pl?lsi&zzANY

[Bill Ayotte]

Check out a Nad receiver or two while you are out and about if you can...I think you will be impressed with the results. You can get a Nad 5.1 receiver, then get speakers for the rear at a later date if you so wish....You could do that with any 5.1 receiver or preamp........Just a thought.

[JimBRICK]

I cant wait for my NAD to get here

[adam2434]

You're getting a lot of good advice and options here.

I'll throw out another that departs from the "build it slowly" concept. I also agree that buying used can be a great way to maximize how far your dollar goes. However, building a system slowly and buying used is not for everyone and all situations.

For around $2K you can put yourself in a very respectable new 5.1 system right now. Since you indicated that the system will be 75% movies and TV, something like the system below would do the trick nicely. If you were planning on 50% or more music, and if you did a lot of critical listening, I'd probably go the "build it slowly/LSi" route.

Speakers: 2 pr of Polk RTi6 and a CSi5 for around $1000
Sub: SVS PB-10 or Hsu STF-2 for around $400
Receiver: Harman Kardon AVR-635 (refurb) for around $600

[dane_peterson]

Triage, you have a PM. You might get this system built up faster than you anticipated! :D

[MrNightly]

Triage, you have a PM. You might get this system built up faster than you anticipated! :D


You ain't selling my Amp now are you? ;)

[triage1998]

Thanks for all the advice. I am going to take my time and do some research. I have a month before I even can begin to install my plasma and run the wires etc.

Thanks again for the help

[janmike]

triage1998 - Go listen to the LSi line if you can. You will be hard pressed to beat them for the price. BTW, I use LSi9's, LSiC & LSIFX's in my HT.

[JoshParsons84]

Hey triage listen to these guys, and you'll never go wrong trust me. First of all, I think you should go with your initial plan of a 2.1 maybe even a 3.1 right now. If you can swing seperates right this minute, then you'll be a whole lot better off in the end even if you just had to get 2.0 instead of even a 2.1, but if not dont sweat it. The only thing that comes to mind as far as receivers go that can handle the impedence of the LSi is an NAD receiver. But how about this instead of a 5.1 go with a 7.1. A lot of people here will recommend a 5.1 but honestly with technology advancing you can actually get a better sound with 7.1 as long as you have everything properly tuned in. If you do in fact go used you could probably swing the LSi15's and Center up front now or leave off the center and get you some nice seperates. I dont know about seperates myself I'm just TRYING to break in that world, but these guys recommend Outlaw Audio or Adcom for people on a budget, you may try that route.

[Nostalgic]

You're getting a lot of good advice and options here.

I'll throw out another that departs from the "build it slowly" concept. I also agree that buying used can be a great way to maximize how far your dollar goes. However, building a system slowly and buying used is not for everyone and all situations.

For around $2K you can put yourself in a very respectable new 5.1 system right now. Since you indicated that the system will be 75% movies and TV, something like the system below would do the trick nicely. If you were planning on 50% or more music, and if you did a lot of critical listening, I'd probably go the "build it slowly/LSi" route.

Speakers: 2 pr of Polk RTi6 and a CSi5 for around $1000
Sub: SVS PB-10 or Hsu STF-2 for around $400
Receiver: Harman Kardon AVR-635 (refurb) for around $600

You can get the HK 635 refurb from HK Direct on ebay for less than $400 FYI. The list provided above is a good one.

[TB Cruzer]

I love my RTi 12s.

[dale 442]

In my opinion, for 2K you can have a very nice 5.1 system or any system for that matter.
If you buy correctly, you will also have a ton of future/potential down the road.
Any of the GOOD brand named receivers out there that have pre-amp outs will give you all you want for now, AND later.

THEN, when the upgrade bug bites (And it will, trust me on that one) start to add power amps to drive the QUALITY speakers that you did buy first time around.

Spend your money on speakers that you really like to start, in a 5.1 system or 2.1 for that matter.
Then as the need and money permit, add the power amps to get you where you want to go.
My advice, buy new. NOT used. Yes it's much cheaper to buy used but you do not KNOW where the pieces have been. Just my opinion. :rolleyes:

Knowing that you can always add power amps later on, IF needed, is the thing to remember.
This is NOT an opinion to buy a crap receiver though. Buy NICE, because it can be the heart of your system for years to come. ONLY depending on your needs (And wants:D )
To put together a nice 2.1 channel system that will also double as a VERY nice 5.1 system is NOT easy. It takes time and thought and REALLY knowing where you want to be when all the money is spent.

DON'T BUY THINGS TWICE.

Nice speakers to start, nice receiver to start, THEN add the power to really make it all work. Unless of course money becomes a non issue.

One thing I did learn about this forum and ALL others like it, is that it is very easy to spend someone else's money. This is not a cutdown, I honestly believe you have received some nice advice, so far, in your posted thread.

The question to really ask yourself is...."What do I I I I want"(Not a typo). This is the only important thing. Let your own ears be your guide.
But, be sure to understand where you want to be at the end.

Damn, I'm tired of typing now. ENJOY!!!!!!!!

[meirco11]

hk 3480 with polkaudio rti a7-----superv togeter!!(and dsw pro 500 sub)

[AndyGwis]

hk 3480 with polkaudio rti a7-----superv togeter!!(and dsw pro 500 sub)

Wait, weren't you spamming the forum a couple months ago bitching about these speakers and ripping Polk as a company. . . likely because you weren't driving them with correct gear? Now you hop on a 15 month old thread to sing their praises? Did this somehow get remedied?
Kind of strange.


Just reading through your old posts, and it seems like you went out of your way to bash Polk on the Forum they sponsor. . .

[Ron Temple]

a year and 3 mos.

[AndyGwis]

Edited. . . even stranger than first thought.

I'd say he's working up post count for a FS thread, but he's already at 25+.

[fossy]

I'd hate to see the shipping cost from Israel if he's workin up to selling something.

[AndyGwis]

I'd hate to see how things are spelled in said FS thread.

Best it's one superv post, though!

I got divz!

[goingganzo]

i would look for a older rt 800i cs 400i and some rt 55i you can probley get for around 1000 used or less. then i would add a amp like the onkyo 705 it has pre outs and has hdmi audio and video. then spend the last 400-500 on a nice sub or make a exelent one your self.


when i was bulding my setup i bought a cheap entry ht in a box and slowley upgraded it 1 piece at a time.