New HT on College Budget

**VTHokies** · 06-13-2003 12:38 PM

Thanks to a little summer work at Circuit City, I get a 60-70% discount on all Polk Speakers, including the LSi series. Unfortunately, powering the LSi series is NOT within my budget. (Those separates by HK cost $230 each and the PA4000 costs $400) After reading as much as possible from hundreds of websites about various different brands, I've come to the conclusion of getting:

Receiver - Harman Kardon AVR-525 (half off as well on it)
Center - CSi40
Mains - RTi70
Surrounds - FXi50
Subwoofer - PSW650

The system falls right in my budge of around $1300, and was hoping to get suggestions for changes or comments and experiences with these speakers. I can also get JVC, and Onkyo for a discount so I can change the receiver for either brands. I'm also a bit conlicted with going with the RTi70s instead of the RTi150s, but from previous forum threads I read the RTi70 sounded better. Any comments and suggestions are welcomed. Thank you.

**Demiurge** · 06-13-2003 01:25 PM

You're getting all that for $1,300? Good deal.

I'd stick with the RTi70s' They will be replacing my RT600i's and I'll move the 600's to the rear.

**VTHokies** · 06-13-2003 01:47 PM

Well, its either that set or:

Center - Infinity Alpha37C
Mains - Infinity Alpha50
Surrounds - Infinity Alpha25ES
Subwoofer - Infinity Alpha1200S
Receiver - HK AVR-525

Thats the other system I get with a discount price but I can't really sample either. The home audio team can't manage to set up any systems in store with more than 2 speakers at a time working.

**BeginnersLuck** · 06-13-2003 01:52 PM

Welcome aboard-

That sounds like a pretty good deal to me, seeing how I spent $1050 on just my 5 speakers alone. I would stick with the RTi70's becasue they will go perfectly with the CSi40 and the F/Xi50's. Good choice on the speakers.

I would highly recommend listening to some different subwoofer's. The PSW650 is ok, but you might be able to find something better (not sure on what else CC sales).

Good luck on your purchase and enjoy, you can't go wrong as long as it sounds good to you. Maybe CC will let you take home some different subs and try them out before you make up your mind...

Later,
-BL

**VTHokies** · 06-13-2003 02:09 PM

Any Polk, Infinity, or Velodyne brand subwoofer are available. Suggestions for which?

**BeginnersLuck** · 06-13-2003 02:22 PM

Well, I would definitely start with the Velo's....They make some pretty decent subs and blow the other two companies away (as far as subs are concerned) but are generally more expensive...Maybe start with the 12 incher and go from there...

What model Velo's are available?

Here is my preference based on my experience and tastes of these three brands...

1. Velo
2. Infinity
3. Polk

-BL

**VTHokies** · 06-13-2003 02:38 PM

Nothing fancy, limited to the CHT line. Velodyne choices are:

CHT15, CHT12, CHT10.

**BeginnersLuck** · 06-13-2003 02:51 PM

Check out the CHT 12 first get a fell of the output. If it is too much for your room, the step down to the 10, if not enough, then try the 15. If your manager lets you, try to take home a couple different subs at the same time to see what sound you like best...

Ideally you would want to try a polk, infinity and a velo at the same time, but I think you can't go wrong with the velo...

-BL

**ken brydson** · 06-13-2003 03:04 PM

If you're not opposed to used, check out the Flea Market. Goinggonzo has / had a CHT120 for $220 + shipping

**VTHokies** · 06-13-2003 03:09 PM

Circuit City discount, I get the CHT12 for a little under $200, and I think thats the sub I will be getting instead of the PSW650. Thanks :) The rest of the system sounds good though? Anything better than the RTi70 that I should consider?

**faster100** · 06-13-2003 03:11 PM

with his 60-70% discount he can bag it new for that.. 150.00-200 depending on 60 or 70% it would be cheaper.. and also, CC doesnt carry LSI's. so they are out of the equation per the original post mentioning lsi's....

I also say 70's and 40 for a center.. great combo as i have this exact setup..

By the way can you hook me up with that discount for some Rti38's? haha!!

**ken brydson** · 06-13-2003 03:14 PM

Originally posted by VTHokies
Circuit City discount, I get the CHT12 for a little under $200, and I think thats the sub I will be getting instead of the PSW650. Thanks :) The rest of the system sounds good though? Anything better than the RTi70 that I should consider?

SWEET DEAL

**VTHokies** · 06-13-2003 03:25 PM

Circuit City discount, I get the CHT12 for a little under $200, and I think thats the sub I will be getting instead of the PSW650. Thanks :) The rest of the system sounds good though? Anything better than the RTi70 that I should consider?

**VTHokies** · 06-13-2003 03:29 PM

Originally posted by faster100
and also, CC doesnt carry LSI's. so they are out of the equation per the original post mentioning lsi's....

Circuit City may not carry them, but they have an online webpage for accommodations in which we CAN purchase LSi speakers. Pricing:

LSi25: $599.98
LSi15: $347.98
LSi9: $207.98
LSi7: $161.98
LSiC: $231.98
LSiFX: $211.98

No shipping costs either. All brand new.

**faster100** · 06-13-2003 03:44 PM

sweet!! maybe we have a real nice "new" friend on the forum.. Kidding, but those are some great prices.. hook us up!!

**polkatese** · 06-13-2003 03:44 PM

holy cow! are those prices in USD or Euro? :D :D Are you taking order right now?

**VTHokies** · 06-13-2003 04:02 PM

Originally posted by polkatese
holy cow! are those prices in USD or Euro? :D :D Are you taking order right now?

USD prices, and the idea of selling these prices online is appealing but we are limited to purchasing one system per year, plus we aren't supposed to buy them for anyone other than immediate family.

**VTHokies** · 06-13-2003 04:13 PM

Okay, thanks to everyone for their suggestions. It looks like this will end up being the system:

Receiver - Harman Kardon AVR-525 price $522
Mains - RTi70s price (pair) $314.96
Surrounds - FXi50s price (pair) $209.96
Center - CSi40 price $167.98
Subwoofer - Velodyne CHT12 price $200

Total = $1414.90, fitting just in my under $1,500 I have no problem with upgrading the RTi70s and spending a little bit more. I just hear the RTi150 doesn't perform very well. Unfortunately, ordering through accommodations means I cannot return the system once it is purchased.

**Zero** · 06-13-2003 09:13 PM

I am at a complete loss as to how you are getting those LSI's at such a nice deal. Even at workers compinsation I read the paper from Polk that had the 9's spiced up to 400 bucks.....which at the time I thought was phenominal....

208? what the hell?

No doubting your findings.....just a bit dazed.

**GuitarheadCA** · 06-13-2003 09:19 PM

VTH,

Hey- I was in your EXACT same position last summer. I also bought a setup similer to yours- the only differece being the sub. Velo gave us accommodation on ALL their lines- are you sure they changed their policy? Check out the SPL line, or if you want to up the budget (but less than people think) check out the HGS line. There is a SIGNIFICANT jump in sound quality moving up from the CHT line.

And dude- take it easy on posting all those prices online. May not do too much harm, but I'm sure polk and CC both would rather you just leave it at "cost". Throw them around too much- and you can get yourself in trouble.

GZ · 06-13-2003 09:33 PM

we aren't supposed to buy them for anybody other than immediate family

I like those prices on the LSi9's, 7's and center. Wanna marry my sister?

**Janusch** · 06-13-2003 10:03 PM

I need to get a part time job at C.C. How many hours do you have to work to get such deals?

**Zero** · 06-13-2003 10:25 PM

If I remember correctly, you have to be there a few months before your entitled to such deals. The one exception is holiday season hiring..

**GuitarheadCA** · 06-13-2003 10:30 PM

3 Months in most cases

**Zero** · 06-13-2003 10:55 PM

I would have most likely been hired for Circuit City - had it not been for my little sorte with the managers there...... ;)

**Zero** · 06-13-2003 11:32 PM

VHT,

I really wish you would have simply kept those figures to yourself. This is all I will obsess over and most likely will not even consider any purchases , anytime soon. A freaking LSi system for just over 1k, ..........unreal...

As I am certain you are aware, Polk is coming out with a new RTi line this October. It may be worth holding off these purchases until you can spend some time with the new line-up. It *looks* very promising. Nothing worse than making a purchase just to see something better come out a few months later for the same damn price..

It's all about what you want, though. If this is the system you enjoy - go for it.

No matter which route you decide to take, may I suggest a "Better" , high current reciever. How much will the Oink flagship run you? Unfortunately, flagship recievers from brands like Harman Kardon, Onkyo, etc....... are the closest you will come to truely good quality (in my humble opinion).

Just food for thought..

Regards,

Sean

**BRAD-TX** · 06-14-2003 12:15 AM

LSi15: $347.98
LSi9: $207.98
LSi7: $161.98
LSiC: $231.98
LSiFX: $211.98

OMG, damn I need to get a job at CC. I wish there was a CC near me, only a Best Buy and Ultimate Electronics.

**polkatese** · 06-14-2003 12:45 AM

those are each, right? otherwise, I'll switch my career over....

**fireshoes** · 06-14-2003 01:05 AM

I would rather get a PSW404 or 505 than the CHT12. Throw Bela Fleck and the Flecktones on and find out what a musical sub is.

**danger boy** · 06-14-2003 01:52 AM

Originally posted by VTHokies
Okay, thanks to everyone for their suggestions. It looks like this will end up being the system:

Receiver - Harman Kardon AVR-525 price $522
Mains - RTi70s price (pair) $314.96
Surrounds - FXi50s price (pair) $209.96
Center - CSi40 price $167.98
Subwoofer - Velodyne CHT12 price $200

Total = $1414.90, fitting just in my under $1,500 I have no problem with upgrading the RTi70s and spending a little bit more. I just hear the RTi150 doesn't perform very well. Unfortunately, ordering through accommodations means I cannot return the system once it is purchased.

I think you'll be plenty happy with the RTi70's they are sweet sounding speakers. I wouldn't upgrade if I was you at all.

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