buying real HT speakers - questions

[xj-boonie]

I'm looking at updating my home theater set up. It currently consist of:

Older Technics dolby prologic receiver
free KLH 8" bookshelf fronts
free KLH center/surround package (very small)

About 1 1/2 years ago (before my son was born) I was looking at the Polk RTi speakers, and liked the sound a lot. Now they don't seem to be available locally (circuit city in the twin cities, MN). I noticed that Crutchfield still has them. When I was at Circuit City before Christmas, I briefly listened to some Monitor 40's with a PS10 (i think) played thru a Onkyo 702 and they sounded very nice (although the music was some hip-hop that I never listen to). I've listened to Infinity, Klipsch, and JBL's, and keep coming back to Polk. I have thought about going to one of the specialitiy stores to listen to some non-main stream speakers, but haven't made it yet.

I guess I'm trying to decide if I should go with the RTi 's or Monitor series, which I can get locally.

I was thinking of bookshelf fronts (RTi6 or Monitor40), CSi3 or CS1 center, wallmounted surrounds (RTi4 or Monitor30) and a sub (PSW12 or PSW404). I'm still not sure if I'd go with bookshelf fronts or small towers. The tv sits in an entertainment center, and putting the bookshelfs on top of it would put them too high up I think (there's space between the top of the TV and the top of the entertainment center for a center speaker), so I'd probably need stands, or to mount them to the sides of the entertainment center.

Also, I'm looking at a new receiver, either the Yahama HTR-5790, Pioneer VSX-1014TX, or Onkyo TX-SR702. Any thoughts on matching theses with Polk speakers?

Thanks!
Mike

[Willow]

Welcome....you might want to check out the flea market...some one is selling rti6's...

[GZ]

You might want to put Denon on your reciever list,
Polks sound real nice with them too.

[okiepolkie]

jandr.com has the Onkyo 702 on sale for $500 today702 .

If you don't mind going refurbished, there are sveral good deals at pcmall.com

[xj-boonie]

Originally posted by GZ
You might want to put Denon on your reciever list,
Polks sound real nice with them too.

Which Denon would you suggest?

[okiepolkie]

What is your overall budget:

receiver?
speakers?

[xj-boonie]

Originally posted by okiepolkie
What is your overall budget:

receiver?
speakers?

I'm thinking between $1500 and $2000, to include stands (if needed) and cables.

[okiepolkie]

If you are willing to go refurbished, then the best Denon receiver within your price range would be a refurbished 3805. They are $699 from pcmall when they are instock.
The RTi series would be a good match for it.
If you got used speakers, you might be able to even get an SVS subwoofer to compliment everything(if your budget did extend to the $2000 mark)

[AsSiMiLaTeD]

not sure if you have a Tweeter out there or not, but they sell the RTi series...

[Teejai]

Originally posted by Polkmaniac
not sure if you have a Tweeter out there or not, but they sell the RTi series...

No Tweeter stores in MN.

If you want RTi speakers here you need to order them online. Crutchfield has them and Outpost still has them. Audiogon and eBay usually have a few available. Unless any of the Circuit City stores have any open box specials...I know the one in Burnsville does not have any.

[MrAnderson]

If you're not into the refurbished receiver. I recently bought the Denon 1905 and I am very pleased with it so far. It cost me $499.99. I have also seen some very reasonably priced Yamahas.

http://www.usa.denon.com/catalog/products.asp?l=1&c=2

This is what I did, I tried to find a decent receiver that had everything I needed not necessarily wanted. Then I focused primarily on the speakers. Personally I would try to put most of your money into your speakers not your receiver.

My budget was similar and I tried to stay as close to it as possible.

Good Luck,
Mr. A

[xj-boonie]

MrAnderson,

If I may ask, what did you end up going with?

Thanks!

Also, Teejai (and everyone else), no one has said anything about the monitor series. Are the RTi's that much better?

Finally, since I'd have to order the RTi series, has anyone delt with returning something to Crutchfield? They have free shipping and free return shipping.

The Onkyo 702B from J&R is looking very attractive! Anything I should be warry of?

[Teejai]

I have not listened to the Monitor series at all so I probably shouldn't answer one way or another as far as which one is better. From reading here though, many people have listened to both and seemed to favor the RTi line. Keep in mind speakers sound different to everyone and the only opinion that matters is your own. If you think the Monitors sound good then go get them, at least you wouldn't have to pay shipping.

[GZ]

Which Denon would you suggest?

I'd start with looking at the 1905, msrp $500. A great reciever for the $$. If your budget will allow then look at the 2105 ($650), or the 2805 ($900). The 2805 got a great review in the December issue of Sound & Vision.
FWIW I prefer thr RTi series over the Monitor series, but that's what sounds good to me. The M series sounded real good, just not as good as the RTi's. Like Teejai said "Keep in mind speakers sound different to everyone and the only opinion that matters is your own."
Crutchfield, although they do sell msrp, is great to deal with, and they are an authorized Polk dealer. They are running a special ending 1/10/2005. Buy $499 worth of Polks (not including a sub) and get a free PSW10, or apply the $200 to a more expensive Polk sub. Just a thought .

[xj-boonie]

How's this sound for a set up:

From Crutchfield:
Polk RTi6 fronts, RTi4 surrounds, CSi3 center, PSW404 sub

From J&R:
Onkyo TX-SR702B Receiver


I could always pick up the Monitor 40's and CS1 from the local circuit city and compare them in my living room too, as crutchfield has free return shipping and cc has a 30 day return policy.

[okiepolkie]

IMHO, that looks like a good setup.
However, you need to order the 702 today and the Polks by next Tues(Jan 10) to get the good prices.

I also like your idea of trying them both out. You could always order all of it from Crutchfield, that way you just have to worry about one place to purchase things from.

Have fun with your new system.

[Teejai]

Originally posted by xj-boonie
How's this sound for a set up:

From Crutchfield:
Polk RTi6 fronts, RTi4 surrounds, CSi3 center, PSW404 sub

From J&R:
Onkyo TX-SR702B Receiver


I could always pick up the Monitor 40's and CS1 from the local circuit city and compare them in my living room too, as crutchfield has free return shipping and cc has a 30 day return policy.

That's a good setup, very similar to mine and I'm very happy with it. I don't think you will be disappointed with the RTi line but it's a good idea to audition both in your own home.

As for the receiver you could always take a look at Harman Kardon too if you miss out on today's Onkyo deal, Onecall.com seems to have good deals on the HK stuff. At CC you might be able to listen a HK receiver with the Monitors....just an idea.

[Toxis]

The RTi line has better drivers, better cabinetry, more technology, and FAR better sound IMO. The monitor's sound good for their price but the RTi's will blow them away any day of the week. Go with the RTi6's, CSi3, FXi3 (or RTi4), PSW303 (or 404 if you can afford it) and the Denon 1905 and you'll have one SWEET setup.

[GZ]

How's this sound for a set up:

Looks real good. I think you'll like the sound of the RTi package. FYI the CSi5 would be a better timbre match for the RTi6's up front and still be within your budget. That will run you $1240 from Crutch(before 1/10/2005), coupled with a reciever for $500 and your at $1740. Either with the Onk or a Denon you'll have a great sounding system. Consider going to Home Depot and buying some of their 12ga speaker wire in bulk.

[Kevinvb11]

Originally posted by xj-boonie
Which Denon would you suggest?

Depending on your wants, you can find a nice Denon 4800 for about 4-600$. Does the your normal DD7.1/5.1/DTS and has a really good 5 and 7 channel stereo mode for music. The Amplifier section is great and it's built like a brick wieghing nearly 50 lb's. It's also very flexable as you can manipulate a bunch of setting to you liking, most which I don't do other than levels and input sources.

I've had mine for 3 years now and it has never once flawed in any way shape or form. I've been pushing it hard for as long as I've owned it and I highly recomend it or any deals on the upgraded versions. (4801/4802)

[xj-boonie]

Originally posted by Toxis
The RTi line has better drivers, better cabinetry, more technology, and FAR better sound IMO. The monitor's sound good for their price but the RTi's will blow them away any day of the week. Go with the RTi6's, CSi3, FXi3 (or RTi4), PSW303 (or 404 if you can afford it) and the Denon 1905 and you'll have one SWEET setup.

Would it be better to get the FXi3's and PSW303 or RTi4 and PSW404?

On a side note: what do most go with? black or cherry?

[okiepolkie]

Color is your preference. Cherry "usually" has a better resale value than comparable one in black.

Your surround question might be answered after you answer a question of my own. Will you be listening to any multichannel music in your new system? If so, then the RTi4's will probably be a little better for you-direct radiating speakers are usually better for surround music. If you use it for just home theater, then the FXi3's will probably be a good choice.

[xj-boonie]

A mix of music and movies. I currently don't have any multichannel music. I think I'll go with the RTi4's as they cost a bit less.

[Teejai]

Originally posted by xj-boonie
A mix of music and movies. I currently don't have any multichannel music. I think I'll go with the RTi4's as they cost a bit less.

You could always add the FXi3 later on (shop eBay) if you want to go 7.1. Good luck with the system!

[GaryZ06]

I am very happy with my Cherry RTi's

[MrAnderson]

Originally posted by xj-boonie
MrAnderson,

If I may ask, what did you end up going with?

Thanks!

Also, Teejai (and everyone else), no one has said anything about the monitor series. Are the RTi's that much better?

Finally, since I'd have to order the RTi series, has anyone delt with returning something to Crutchfield? They have free shipping and free return shipping.

The Onkyo 702B from J&R is looking very attractive! Anything I should be warry of?

I bought a pair the T90's for the front. Similar to the M60's.

The center channel is the CSi3, sub is the 303 and the rears are a pair of RM101 sats.

The only thing I would probably change in my set are the rears. But I was limited on space and money.

I had a few friends over this past weekend and we fooled around with the calibration. I still would like to get a meter but for the time being it sounds much better.

We played The Who live at Royal Albert Hall and that sounded awesome. I also watched Brotherhood of the Wolf and the sound was great. I have no idea why I doubted my set-up. I am very pleased with it especially for the price.

[xj-boonie]

Originally posted by okiepolkie
IMHO, that looks like a good setup.
However, you need to order the 702 today and the Polks by next Tues(Jan 10) to get the good prices.

I missed out on the 702 on Friday, but it's now $580 with free shipping. Still a good price?

Also, the 10th is Monday... :)

[okiepolkie]

It looks like a good deal to me because you can get the same one refurbished for $480 from pcmall. I would definetely spend the extra $100 for the new one.
Oh, and sorry about the date mixup. I have newborn, and all my days are mixed up from the lack of sleep.

[xj-boonie]

Originally posted by okiepolkie
It looks like a good deal to me because you can get the same one refurbished for $480 from pcmall. I would definetely spend the extra $100 for the new one.
Oh, and sorry about the date mixup. I have newborn, and all my days are mixed up from the lack of sleep.

Congratulations! My son's now 19 months old, and I remember those days all too well! :)