Looking for a 5.1 speaker set-up......

[shawn474]

A buddy of mine just bought a condo and he is looking for a budget 5.1 set-up. I already got him the Onkyo AVR that Sal was selling in the flea market. He has about $600 to spend on speakers; he's looking for a 5.1 speaker set (probably bookshelf). If anyone has anything laying around, please let me know. It doesn't have to be a full set-up; we can piece it together slowly. I am in the Washington, DC area if anyone local has anything.

Thanks in advance,
Shawn

[hearingimpared]

Shawn,

Here is a link to our FM that may help you out.

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1145973#post1145973

Disregard all the BS in the thread the fellow has some nice speakers for sale.

[Kex]

I have an excellent RT system that I've been trying to get boxed up all year! Maybe this would make it happen, if it fits the bill.

- Two front RT55 (9/10: almost like new)
- Two rear RT35 (9/10: almost like new)
- One CS245i (7/10: small ding, otherwise 9/10)

Honestly, I think the CS245i is a bit of a weak link. It's a great center, but with the big RT55, it's much better to use a CS400 IMO. Then again, those are huge, so not for everyone, in which case the CS245i is an excellent compromise solution that performs extremely well.

The problem will be shipping speakers like the RT55: it will add to the cost. Here is the pricing I was thinking of, and I think it's quite aggressive. $150 for the RT55, $100 for the RT35, and $50 for the CS245i (so even with shipping, it will be under budget). The links below are all from the RTi equivalents, but the specifications are absolutely identical with what is stated in the paper manual. Pix if interested!

- http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/products/recent/rt55i/
- http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/products/recent/rt35i/
- http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/products/recent/cs245i/

Check the dimensions, BTW, the RT55 are really floorstanding RT800 in a bookshelf form (I have both, and have compared them directly). They may be too big for your friend!

[xcapri79]

In that price range of about $600, it is rather limited.

For new 5.0 speakers I would recommend the Polk RM85 series for $400.
http://www.amazon.com/Polk-Audio-5-Channel-Theater-System/dp/B000ZKNW82

or the Monitor Bookshelf speakers.

Polk Audio Monitor 40's for $150.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882290010

Polk Audio Monitor 30's for $100.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882290094

Polk Audio Monitor CS1 center for $100.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882290094

For a subwoofer I would suggest either of the following:

Polk Audio PSW505B 12" Powered Subwoofer for $230 with coupon code.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882290130

or

Polk Audio PSWi225 Wireless Powered Subwoofer for $230.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882290133

or if he can spend a little more for a super subwoofer for a condo there is the;

Polk Audio DSW MicroPRO 1000 8" 1200 Watt Subwoofer for $380.
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.aspx?nm_mc=AFC-TechBargains&cm_mmc=AFC-TechBargains-_-NA-_-NA-_-NA&Item=N82E16882290129

[ViperZ]

The problem will be shipping speakers like the RT55: it will add to the cost. Here is the pricing I was thinking of, and I think it's quite aggressive. $150 for the RT55, $100 for the RT35, and $50 for the CS245i (so even with shipping, it will be under budget). The links below are all from the RTi equivalents, but the specifications are absolutely identical with what is stated in the paper manual. Pix if interested!



If I was just a little bit closer, I'd be running away with those RT55... The prices are really good!!! Grab those RT55 and RT35 from him, and then find yourself CS400 + decent sub, and you are all set.

[shawn474]

I have an excellent RT system that I've been trying to get boxed up all year! Maybe this would make it happen, if it fits the bill.

- Two front RT55 (9/10: almost like new)
- Two rear RT35 (9/10: almost like new)
- One CS245i (7/10: small ding, otherwise 9/10)

Honestly, I think the CS245i is a bit of a weak link. It's a great center, but with the big RT55, it's much better to use a CS400 IMO. Then again, those are huge, so not for everyone, in which case the CS245i is an excellent compromise solution that performs extremely well.

The problem will be shipping speakers like the RT55: it will add to the cost. Here is the pricing I was thinking of, and I think it's quite aggressive. $150 for the RT55, $100 for the RT35, and $50 for the CS245i (so even with shipping, it will be under budget). The links below are all from the RTi equivalents, but the specifications are absolutely identical with what is stated in the paper manual. Pix if interested!

- http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/products/recent/rt55i/
- http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/products/recent/rt35i/
- http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/products/recent/cs245i/

Check the dimensions, BTW, the RT55 are really floorstanding RT800 in a bookshelf form (I have both, and have compared them directly). They may be too big for your friend!

PM sent. Definitely jumpibg on this. Can you please send pics?

thanks,
Shawn

[danz1906]

A buddy of mine just bought a condo and he is looking for a budget 5.1 set-up. I already got him the Onkyo AVR that Sal was selling in the flea market. He has about $600 to spend on speakers; he's looking for a 5.1 speaker set (probably bookshelf). If anyone has anything laying around, please let me know. It doesn't have to be a full set-up; we can piece it together slowly. I am in the Washington, DC area if anyone local has anything.

Thanks in advance,
Shawn

Here's a 5.0 system at a Great price!

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=88004

[gtu2004]

Here's a 5.0 system at a Great price!

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=88004

I don't think he ships...

To the OP, I can sell you my 5.0 speakers consisting of 4 Rti6 bookselves and a Csi5 center for $450. They're pretty awesome :)I'm in NYC :)

[Kex]

Ignore the swirls on the back: I had just wiped them, and the rear of the "Power Port" was still damp.

[Kex]

These can be wall mounted, which is better for getting the rear tweeters 2' above the listeners' ears.

If you look closely, there appears to be a slight rub on the side of one of the speakers. I didn't notice this earlier, and you can't see it under normal lighting conditions (I took these pix outside on purpose, to emphasize any imperfections).

[Kex]

The ding I mentioned earlier is on the rear and not noticeable during normal use IMO. There is also some light scratching underneath the speaker from being slid in and out of cabinets, but that is completely invisible.

If he wants a CS400, which I suggested would be the best match for the RT55, then he could still use this CS245i until he finds one. I have frequently seen these sell on eBay for up to $100, plus shipping, although I haven't checked this pricing in quite a while. In any case, I would imagine he would have little trouble selling it for $50 in this condition, so he wouldn't be without a center channel during the wait for a CS400 or CS400i in good condition.

BTW, none of these speakers have any defects on the grilles that I have noticed during cleaning, not a single pluck, snag or missing pin AFIK.

[shawn474]

Kex,
Those look great; deal is done as soon as i can get the money order out to you. I appreciate youtaking the time to answer the pm's and to post pics. They look to be in excellent condition. Thanks again and you can consider them sold. Just pm me a total with shipping to 20882 (maryland).

Take Care,
Shawn

[shawn474]

Here's a 5.0 system at a Great price!

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=88004

Wow; that is a great deal. Too bad I am not close to Milwaukee or I would buy them for a secondary set up.

[Kex]

Shawn, PM sent. Items are packed up and ready for shipping. Complete estimate, with shipping and insurance sent. No charge for packing materials (boxes, bubble wrap etc.), since I used my existing stock.

[shawn474]

Kex, money order will be in the mal tomorrow. Thanks again man.

[shawn474]

Kex, Have you received the money order yet?

Thanks,
Shawn

[Kex]

Shawn, I'm sure you got me e-mail a while ago about the money order, but I've run into problems with FedEx today. Their shipping estimate was off by more than $50. I think they appplied the account discount twice or something, or maybe they forgot one of the boxes in the estimate. In any case, I sent you another e-mail a few minutes ago. Let me know what you want to do!

[shawn474]

Shawn, I'm sure you got me e-mail a while ago about the money order, but I've run into problems with FedEx today. Their shipping estimate was off by more than $50. I think they appplied the account discount twice or something, or maybe they forgot one of the boxes in the estimate. In any case, I sent you another e-mail a few minutes ago. Let me know what you want to do!

Ciaran,
I sent you an e-mail back. Would like to find a way to work this out.

[Kex]

They're on their way! I'll send you an update with details by e-mail tomorrow. Now, let's hope they make it safely all the way to MD.

[shawn474]

Kex, thanks very much for taking the time and effort to do this. I very much appreciate it.

Take Care,
shawn

[classic carl]

As always, I'm too late. I am also looking for a pair of black RT35i speaks to use at the rear of my HT system. They must be in VG to NM condition. I'm presently using Monitor 5JR+ and sound wise they are fine, but they are light oak vinyl covered and do noy look as good as the black wood cabs.